University of California-Los Angeles: 8.6% Acceptance Rate

8.6%Acceptance

$13,747Tuition

33,040Students

93%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$82,511Earnings

#3 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA dominates the entertainment capital of the world with powerhouse programs that launched careers like Francis Ford Coppola and James Dean. This public research university enrolls 33,040 students in the heart of Los Angeles. The Bruins compete fiercely with crosstown rival USC while maintaining their reputation for excellence in film, medicine, and research. Students benefit from a quarter system that keeps the pace brisk and intensive.

The financial picture looks remarkably bright for a top-tier university. Students pay an average net price of $14,013 after aid, which represents strong value for the education quality. Graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after graduation while carrying just $14,000 in median debt. Low-income families pay only $6,864 net price, making UCLA accessible despite its 8.57% acceptance rate. The 78.63% loan repayment rate reflects graduates' strong earning potential.

UCLA's student body skews heavily female at 61% women and brings impressive diversity with significant Asian (29.89%) and Hispanic (23.21%) populations. The 96.76% retention rate signals student satisfaction, while the 92.70% six-year graduation rate nearly matches top private schools. With 677 student athletes competing across 21 varsity sports, Bruin pride runs deep throughout campus.

Academics & Faculty

UCLA is one of the nation's top public research universities, meaning students learn alongside faculty conducting modern research across disciplines. The school particularly excels in film and television production, medicine, and engineering, with its film school ranking among the top programs nationally. Students benefit from a competitive yet supportive environment, evidenced by the impressive 92.7% six-year graduation rate. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors despite the large enrollment. Research opportunities abound in everything from neuroscience to entertainment industry studies. UCLA's academic reputation opens doors to top graduate programs and strong careers, with graduates earning a median salary of $82,511 ten years after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 92.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 92.7%
Retention Rate: 96.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $82,511
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$143,744
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$134,761
Mechanical Engineering.	Doctoral	$117,572
Applied Mathematics.	Master	$117,572
Engineering, General.	Master	$111,435
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$110,878
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$106,421
Law.	Doctoral	$101,128
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$99,959
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$99,040

View all 260 programs →

Campus Life

UCLA's sprawling 419-acre campus sits in upscale Westwood, just 15 minutes from downtown LA and five miles from Santa Monica beaches. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures hover in the 70s most days, with occasional winter dips to the 60s. The quarter system keeps academics intense, with 10-week terms that fly by faster than traditional semesters.

About 72% of students live off-campus, creating a commuter vibe that contrasts with typical college towns. Westwood Village offers high-end shopping and restaurants, though student budgets often clash with Beverly Hills-adjacent prices. Weekends split between beach trips, hiking in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, and the legendary UCLA-USC rivalry that dominates fall. The massive student body of 33,040 means you'll find every possible club and interest group, though the 18:1 student-faculty ratio can make professors feel distant. Powell Library becomes a second home during finals, while Bruin Walk buzzes with campus organizations recruiting new members between the constant California sunshine.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 23,912 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

756 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	270	9	21	2
Burglary	76	30	31	0
Rape	61	15	11	0
Fondling	58	8	14	3
Stalking	32	16	6	0
Domestic Violence	20	13	16	2
Aggravated Assault	12	0	7	2
Robbery	9	1	0	2
Arson	6	1	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 51°–67°F
July Avg: 62°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UCLA draws ambitious students from across California who want strong academics without private school prices. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting strong programs in fields like psychology, life sciences, and pre-med that attract female students. Nearly three-quarters come from in-state, showing UCLA's role as California's flagship public university. The campus serves a diverse population with significant Asian American and Hispanic representation. About 27% receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to educating students from all economic backgrounds while maintaining top academic standards.

Men: 39.0%
Women: 61.1%
White: 25.1%
Black: 3.3%
Hispanic: 23.2%
Asian: 29.9%
In-State Students: 74.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.1%

Location

UCLA sits in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, just 12 miles from downtown LA. The campus sprawls across 419 acres in one of America's largest metropolitan areas. Students have access to beaches 5 miles away in Santa Monica and the Hollywood entertainment industry. The Westwood Village offers restaurants, theaters, and shopping within walking distance of campus. Los Angeles provides internships and job opportunities across tech, entertainment, and healthcare industries. The Mediterranean climate averages 284 sunny days per year. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UCLA with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90095-1405

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $82,511
Median Earnings (5 years): $77,498
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $52,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Los Angeles?

UCLA accepts just 8.57% of applicants, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. The competition reflects UCLA's status as a top research university with world-well-known programs in film, medicine, and other fields.

How much does University of California-Los Angeles cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,013, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,864 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of California-Los Angeles?

UCLA has an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 33,040 undergraduate students. The university operates on a quarter system, which allows for intensive coursework and research opportunities with faculty.

How much do University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn?

UCLA graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after graduation. The strong alumni network includes Hollywood legends like Francis Ford Coppola and sports icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, reflecting the university's influence across industries.

Where do University of California-Los Angeles students live?

UCLA can house 23,912 students in campus housing, serving a significant portion of its undergraduate population. The campus sits in the heart of Los Angeles, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities in one of America's largest cities.

Does University of California-Los Angeles have strong athletic programs?

UCLA fields 21 varsity sports with 677 total athletes and awards $17.9 million in athletic scholarships. The Bruins compete in NCAA Division I and recently joined the Big Ten Conference, maintaining their fierce rivalry with USC.