At $14,013/yr net price, University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $82,511/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,511/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,013 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,511/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,511/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,864/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,731/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,065/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,250/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,481/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $143,744 | $97,335 |
| 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 | $15,156 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $106,421 | $70,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $101,128 | $135,373 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $99,959 | $72,829 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,040 | $50,511 |
The Risk Factor
92.7% of students at University of California-Los Angeles graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UCLA gives you strong financial returns with unusually low risk. You borrow a median of $14,000 for a degree that pays $82,511 ten years out, and 92.7% of students finish. Low debt plus high completion means you rarely leave with loans and no diploma, which is the trap that sinks ROI at weaker schools.
Your major decides the payoff. Computer and Information Sciences leads at $110,878, roughly $42,000 more per year than Civil Engineering graduates earn, despite similar debt loads near $15,000. Computer Engineering and nursing both clear $90,000. Civil Engineering sits at the bottom of the listed programs and carries the highest debt of the group at $17,529, so the gap between the top and bottom STEM tracks here is real. The listed high earners are all engineering, computing, or nursing. if you pursue humanities or social sciences, expect earnings below the $82,511 median.
The main financial risk is family income tier. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay $30,481 a year, more than double what a $48-75k family pays and over four times the $6,864 charged to families under $30,000. At the top tier, the value proposition tightens and you should compare against in-state options elsewhere.
UCLA fits you well if you qualify for the lower net-price tiers or you plan to major in computing, engineering, or nursing. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay under $9,000 a year for a degree with a 96.76% retention rate, which is close to a guaranteed return. Higher-income families paying full sticker should weigh whether a non-STEM UCLA degree justifies $30,481 a year against cheaper alternatives with comparable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UCLA worth the cost for most students?
UCLA offers strong ROI with a relatively low net price of $14,013 annually and graduates earning $82,511 within 10 years. The 93% graduation rate and median debt of just $14,000 make it financially accessible for most students.
Which UCLA programs have the best return on investment?
Business Administration leads with graduates earning $143,744, followed by Computer Science at $134,761. Engineering and Applied Mathematics also perform well, with starting salaries around $117,000.
How much debt do UCLA graduates typically have?
UCLA graduates carry a median debt of $14,000, which is manageable given the strong earning potential. The combination of in-state tuition benefits and solid financial aid keeps borrowing relatively low.
Does UCLA's selectivity affect its value proposition?
While UCLA's 8.6% acceptance rate makes admission competitive, those who get in benefit from strong career outcomes and reasonable costs. The selectivity helps maintain the school's reputation and graduate earning power.