Hey all, trying to decide between CMU Stat/ML and Berkeley Data Science, I’m heavily conflicted.
My concerns:
Research: I want to do Machine learning and neuroscience research during my undergrad years, with the long-term goal of biotech/medical ai, data science jobs in the future.
Career placements: I’m pretty sure CMU does edge a bit in career placements, although I’m not sure if the advantage is large compared to the Bay Area/Silicon Valley, which I’m sure is an advantage in it’s own right. I’m not sure what the difference in brand is, but I assume CMU is less competition for jobs compared to Berkeley.
Balance/fun: Academic opportunities is most important to me, but I also don’t want to burn out completely. Hoping for some social life and fun as well. FYI I’m from California so I know weather will be different but not sure how big of a deal that is.
Curriculum: CMU seems to have more deep Machine learning courses and flexibility, although likely more rigorous and number of courses required + Gen Eds. Berkeley seems to be more lenient and overall easier, but less flexible and harder to get certain classes.
Cost: Not a concern.
Startups: I’m not sure if I want to get into startups, but it is an interest of mine. Would like an ecosystem that has startups i guess but research will still be #1 for me.
What would you guys recommend for my concerns? Please let me know. I’m also open to answer any questions.
You should choose the curriculum that most matches your need
According to 893 respondents of UCB for data science in 2025 (seems a big major), 63% are employed and 20% aren’t. I don’t know when the data was taken - i.e. more may be employed now. The median salary shows $100K with more offers in the 120s band than any other with the 2nd highest being 80s.
CMU shows a 99% knowledge rate - so their data is including all whereas UCB doesn’t say. The data was refreshed 1/29 of this year so pretty current. 64% are working with 25% in school and 10% seeking. The median was $110K and average $122K.
So - without digging in super deep, it seems CMU is on average a better outcome. But you are not average - you are one of many outcomes.
It seems to me you’d prefer CMU but I’m not you so you need to decide for yourself.
Congrats on your acceptances, they are both strong in the areas you want to study.
Have you visited CMU? If not, I strongly encourage you to do so before enrolling. It has a unique vibe that does not appeal to some people (I call that a ‘fit’ school.)
Getting these types of jobs is competitive, with grads from many schools competing. Neither school is going to hand you internships and jobs.
Yeah, i understand the fit aspect. I do plan on visiting CMU soon; I’m hoping that gives me a better idea.
Would you say the competition for jobs is no different? I was wondering if name brand and competition between other students (eg. Berkeley has way more students) could make internship finding more difficult.
Thank you for the congratulations! I’ll make sure to take a look at these links you posted.
The curriculums both look pretty similar, i guess one one difference is I’d be able to do an AI major at CMU. At the same time though, Berkeley seems to be a little less heavy and a lighter load which would be nice. I’m guessing it now depends on fit/non academic factors
I’m not fully sure where I’d be happier to be honest. I am from California so Berkeley would be local and I’m used to the weather/area/environment. I think Pittsburgh would be interesting but the social scene/grind of CMU does seem a little concerning – I think after I visit maybe I’ll have a better idea
With outcomes, you also need to look at the where. $100K in CA is different than $100K in NYC, as an example.
My 25 year old makes a tad over $100K and is in Southern Cal - and it’s a lot more of a struggle than if he was making $90K or so and in Florida, which was another possibility.
So it’s more than just #s. UCB had a much higher still seeking rate. What we don’t know is when that snapshot was taken and what the knowledge rate was. We know CMU had most every student in their #. We just know the # Berkeley included, but not the % of overall.
So job data is directional but gives you something to think about - plus the types of roles received.
In the end, you are going to visit. That’s the best thing you can do - because you’ll hopefully either love it or feel - can’t be here.
I wouldn’t worry about work load. Both are going to kick your a$$ - and i’m not sure how you can see one is lighter or not from a class listing. You got into CMU and UCB - I think you can handle some rigor!!!
Make sure that this includes the cost of a master’s degree. You are looking at areas where a master’s degree might (or might not) end up being a good idea. Often a student will get their bachelor’s, work for a year or two or three, and then go on for a master’s degree or some other graduate degree. Also be aware that late changes in major can sometimes result in a bachelor’s degree taking more than four years. If you are in-state at a public university you will still be in-state for a fifth year, but financial aid if offered will often end after four years.
Otherwise, you are comparing two superb programs. Where you would be most comfortable might be the biggest issue.
If I had this choice to make and if money really did not matter (including the cost of a master’s or another other possible graduate work), then I would be tempted to look at the graduation requirements for both programs. Make sure to consider both major specific requirements and general overall requirements. Another option is to visit both schools and just see where you might be most comfortable.
And you have two great choices here. Congratulations!