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University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA | Public | University

University of California-Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9.0%, an average net price of $14,659, and an overall rank of #61 (Grade A). About 92.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $77,768 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.

University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer and Information Sciences.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, and 97.3% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 128.1%, roughly 78.2 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting.

A
Ranking
#61 of 1,955
How We Rank Schools Top-100 optionMost students finishLower tuitionHigher pay after collegeClose mentorshipSolid ROI potential
At a Glance
Ranking
#61 of 1,955 (Top 3.1%)
Tuition
$15,729
Net Price
$14,659
4-Year Tuition
$62,916
Acceptance Rate
9.0%
Transfer Rate
3.4%
Student Population
33,475
Student-Faculty
20:1
Grad Rate (150% time)
92.8%
Grad Rate (8-year)
93.6%
Retention Rate
97.3%
5-Yr Earnings
$77,768
ROI
128.1%

Who is University of California-Los Angeles Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Students aiming for strong salaries
Momentum seekers needing high retention
Graduation-focused planners
Students wanting a top-100 campus
Career maximizers chasing high ROI
Families tracking affordability closely
Explorers drawn to vibrant campus scale

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#61 of 1,955
Top 3.1% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
96.9 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
4.85 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
A+
#30 of 1,955
Affordability
B
#771 of 1,955
Support
B+
#593 of 1,955
Career Outcomes
B+
#500 of 1,955

University of California-Los Angeles graduates 92.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 93.6% and keeps 97.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$7,755-$32,922 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Highly likely
92.8% graduate within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings). The federal 8-year award rate is 93.6%. 86.2% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
90.9% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings five years after graduation are $77,768. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Los Angeles's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$165,492
$41,373 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$60,730
$14,659 × 4.1 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.1 years | 4-Year Rate: 86.2% | 6-Year Rate: 92.8% | 8-Year Rate: 93.6%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 86.2% and six-year completion is 92.8%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$41,373
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$14,659
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Est. annual aid gap: $26,714 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $15,729
Books and Supplies $1,680
On-Campus Room and Board $18,960
On-Campus Other Expenses $6,798
Total On-Campus Cost $41,373

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
31.9%
Federal Loan
19.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 31.9% of University of California-Los Angeles students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$7,755
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$8,643
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$10,769
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$15,256
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$32,922
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,755 to $32,922 depending on family income. Use University of California-Los Angeles's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

Typical total cost estimates (~4.1 years):
$0-$30K families
~$32,128
$30K-$48K families
~$35,806
$48K-$75K families
~$44,614
$75K-$110K families
~$63,203
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,256/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $32,922/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
128.1%
Based on median earnings five years after graduation vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $77,768
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $88,581
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.1 years
  • Average Student Debt $13,750
  • Debt-to-Earnings ~17.7%
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 78.6%
  • Employment Rate 90.9%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for University of California-Los Angeles graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.

Graduates earn a median of $77,768 five years after graduation — roughly 26% above the national median.
Payback Period
0.78 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

University of California-Los Angeles vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Los Angeles's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Los Angeles's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: University of California-Los Angeles graduates report median earnings of $77,768 five years after graduation, 26% above the national median. The 128.1% ROI indicates solid long-term value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
9.0%
Extremely Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 33,475
  • Full-Time Students 98.5%
  • Part-Time Students 1.5%
  • Retention Rate 97.3%
  • Grad Rate (150% time) 92.8%
  • Grad Rate (8-year) 93.6%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1

How to Get Into University of California-Los Angeles

1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Los Angeles requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 9.0%, University of California-Los Angeles is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 9.0% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Los Angeles undergraduates. Economics, Psychology, General, and Sociology draw the most students.

  • Economics 8.5%
  • Psychology, General 7.1%
  • Sociology 7.0%
  • Political Science and Government 6.7%
  • Research and Experimental Psychology 4.2%
  • Applied Mathematics 3.8%
See more majors
  • Biology, General 3.7%
  • Computer Science 3.5%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Computer Engineering $213,702
  • 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $212,814
  • 3. Business/Managerial Economics $144,689
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $139,474
  • 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $129,330
  • 6. Cognitive Science $126,066
  • 7. Statistics $120,021
  • 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering $119,533
  • 9. Applied Mathematics $116,983
  • 10. Mechanical Engineering $116,719

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $230,735
  • 2. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $217,401
  • 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $196,479
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $195,041
  • 5. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $190,660
  • 6. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $178,356
  • 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $160,631
  • 8. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Doctoral Degree) $157,979
  • 9. Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $155,567
  • 10. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $153,665

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $213,702—83% more than Mechanical Engineering ($116,719). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $230,735 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of California-Los Angeles. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 1,054 graduates)
  • Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 838 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 695 graduates)
  • Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 682 graduates)
  • Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 660 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (75 programs)▼
  • Economics
  • Psychology, General
  • Sociology
  • Political Science and Government
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biology, General
  • Computer Science
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • History
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Statistics
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Human Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Philosophy
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Civil Engineering
  • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Music
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Chemistry
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Computer Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • International/Globalization Studies
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Area Studies
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Materials Engineering
  • Dance
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Literature
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
  • Architecture
  • Classical and Ancient Studies
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Materials Sciences
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
  • Genetics
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Agricultural Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (77 programs)▼
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Education, General
  • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
  • Public Health
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
  • Social Work
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Library Science, Other
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Music
  • Statistics
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
  • Psychology, General
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Materials Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Area Studies
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Sociology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Biology, General
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Anthropology
  • Philosophy
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Archeology
  • Political Science and Government
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Dance
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • History
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Engineering, Other
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Computer Engineering
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Genetics
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Architecture
Online Doctoral Degrees (65 programs)▼
  • Education, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Psychology, General
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Political Science and Government
  • Economics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Sociology
  • Public Health
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Music
  • Anthropology
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Physics
  • Civil Engineering
  • Social Work
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • History
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Statistics
  • Biology, General
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Genetics
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Architecture
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Archeology
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Library Science, Other
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (26 programs)▼
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Statistics
  • Sociology
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Psychology, General
  • Political Science and Government
  • Philosophy
  • Music
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Materials Engineering
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Library Science, Other
  • History
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Biology, General
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Computer Science
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 33,475
  • Full-Time Students 98.5%
  • Part-Time Students 1.5%
  • Male Students 39.6%
  • Female Students 60.4%
  • Caucasian 23.9%
  • Asian 29.5%
  • Hispanic 24.2%
  • Black 3.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 31.9%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Los Angeles's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of University of California-Los Angeles's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of California-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
89.4%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
94.3%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
4.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: University of California-Los Angeles has a diverse student body, with 23.9% identifying as White. Women make up 60.4% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of California-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
89.4%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
94.3%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
4.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Ranking #61 overall, University of California-Los Angeles combines competitive admissions with 128.1% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $77,768 in median earnings.

Students graduate within 150% of normal time at a 92.8% rate, with 97.3% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $14,659 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 167 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.

Competitive Selective University: University of California-Los Angeles's Market Position

A grade | #61 of 1955 | 96.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)

Competitive Positioning: University of California-Los Angeles occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 128.1% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.

Value for Money: $14,659 annually produces $77,768 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of California-Los Angeles should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.

Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.

Final Assessment: University of California-Los Angeles's #61 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 167 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.

Key Takeaways

  • 92.8% graduation rate sits 30.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 97.3% first-year retention is 20.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 128.1% return on investment is 78.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $77,768 run about 26% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $14,659 is roughly $5,222 lower than the national median of $19,881.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 97.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 90.9% employment rate within three years sits 22.7 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 31.9% trails the national share by 6.5 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

University of California-Los Angeles, a public university in Los Angeles, CA, secures an A grade in our latest review. It holds a #61 overall ranking Completion earns A+, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 97.3% retention, 92.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 93.6% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 128.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $14,659 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $41,373.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,714 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $13,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 31.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Five years after graduation, graduates earn roughly $77,768 at the median. This is roughly 26% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

The three-year employment rate is close to 90.9%.

EDsmart lists the ROI at 128.1%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

9.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Los Angeles admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
4.85 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

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Compare with similar schools
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Cite this profile

Add your access date when you publish.

APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-Los Angeles: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-los-angeles/

MLA (9th): “University of California-Los Angeles: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-los-angeles/.

Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-Los Angeles: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-los-angeles/.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is University of California-Los Angeles's acceptance rate?

University of California-Los Angeles's acceptance rate is 9.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.

How much does University of California-Los Angeles cost?

At University of California-Los Angeles, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,659 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $41,373 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $15,729. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is University of California-Los Angeles's ranking?

University of California-Los Angeles ranks #61 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is University of California-Los Angeles's graduation rate?

At University of California-Los Angeles, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 92.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 93.6%, and first-year retention is 97.3%.

What are University of California-Los Angeles's job outcomes?

Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles report median earnings of $77,768 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is University of California-Los Angeles's student population?

University of California-Los Angeles enrolls about 33,475 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
  • Endowment$3.16B
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate3.4%

Data Source & Methodology ▼