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University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs UT Austin

Nestled on the sunny shores of California and rooted in the vibrant city of Austin, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they also possess unique characteristics that set them apart. UCLA boasts a lower acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a higher graduation rate, while UT Austin offers a more affordable tuition, a stronger Greek life presence, and a more diverse student body. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the specifics and discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and preferences.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

 		University of California-Los Angeles logo

University of California-Los Angeles

Overview

Location Austin, Texas Los Angeles, California
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 10.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75
Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $70
Graduate: $120
SAT range 1230 - 1500 N/A
ACT range 27 - 33 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 56.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 139,489
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 15,028
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 6,584
Yield rate 47.7% 43.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788
Out of state: $59,032
In state: $36,173
Out of state: $65,927
Average net price $16,589 $13,393
Tuition
In state: $11,752
Out of state: $40,996
In state: $11,442
Out of state: $41,196
Room & board $12,768 $16,763
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 51.0%
Average amount $12,725 		45.0%
Average amount $17,592
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961 		11.0%
Average amount $4,391
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366 		1.0%
Average amount $19,764

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% 		32,122
Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% 		13,994
Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 9.2% 21.9%
International students 9.1% 14.5%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 7,809 20,372
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois California Texas Washington New York Illinois

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 18:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 92.1%
Dropout rate 11.7% 3.7%
Transferred out N/A 3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $129,237
  • Year 2: $134,761
  • Year 3: $179,615
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $150,028
  • Year 2: $143,744
  • Year 3: $157,681
Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $117,572
  • Year 3: $156,116
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $117,100
  • Year 2: $110,878
  • Year 3: $147,842
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,050
  • Year 2: $101,128
  • Year 3: $130,087
Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,202
  • Year 2: $117,572
  • Year 3: $126,081
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,282
  • Year 2: $111,435
  • Year 3: $123,214
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,139
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $111,727
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,817
  • Year 2: $96,775
  • Year 3: $110,729
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $94,892
  • Year 2: $99,040
  • Year 3: $110,415

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between UCLA and UT Austin?

    UCLA is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, offering a vibrant urban environment with close proximity to beaches, entertainment, and diverse cultural experiences. UT Austin is situated in Austin, Texas, a city known for its live music scene, outdoor activities, and a growing tech industry. UCLA's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and well-maintained grounds, while UT Austin boasts a sprawling campus with a mix of historic and modern buildings. Both offer a strong sense of community, but the surrounding city environments provide distinct lifestyles.

  • How do the academic programs at UCLA and UT Austin compare?

    Both UCLA and UT Austin are highly regarded research universities offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. UCLA is particularly strong in film, entertainment, and the arts, as well as sciences and engineering. UT Austin excels in engineering, business, law, and natural sciences. Both universities have excellent faculty and provide ample research opportunities. The specific strengths of each program should be considered based on your individual academic interests.

  • What is the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, at UCLA and UT Austin?

    The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and financial aid eligibility. Generally, UT Austin offers a lower tuition rate for in-state students compared to UCLA, due to the difference in state funding models. However, both universities offer significant financial aid packages, including scholarships and grants, to help make education more affordable. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore financial aid options.

  • How competitive is the admissions process at UCLA and UT Austin?

    Both UCLA and UT Austin are highly selective institutions. Admission to both universities is very competitive, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays. UCLA generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than UT Austin, but both schools attract a large pool of highly qualified applicants. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; a holistic review process is used to evaluate each applicant.

  • What are the student life and extracurricular opportunities like at UCLA and UT Austin?

    Both universities offer a rich and diverse student life. UCLA has a strong emphasis on Greek life, arts, and entertainment, with numerous student organizations and clubs. UT Austin is known for its vibrant campus culture, including a strong athletic program (the Longhorns), a thriving music scene, and a wide range of student organizations. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved, make friends, and pursue their interests outside of academics. The specific activities and organizations available will vary, so it's important to research what aligns with your personal interests.

  • How do the career services and alumni networks at UCLA and UT Austin compare?

    Both UCLA and UT Austin have robust career services departments that provide resources for students and alumni, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Both universities have extensive alumni networks that can be valuable for networking and career opportunities. UCLA's location in Los Angeles provides access to the entertainment industry and a strong presence in tech and business, while UT Austin's location in Austin offers strong connections to the tech, energy, and business sectors. The strength of the alumni network and career services will depend on your specific field of study and career goals.

  • What are the housing options like at UCLA and UT Austin?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UCLA provides a range of residence halls and apartments, with varying costs and amenities. UT Austin also has a variety of on-campus housing options, as well as numerous off-campus apartments and houses. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research the options and apply early. Both universities offer resources to help students find suitable housing.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or film?

    For engineering, UT Austin is generally considered to have a slightly stronger program, particularly in areas like petroleum engineering and aerospace engineering. UCLA is renowned for its film school and its strong programs in the arts and entertainment. However, both universities offer excellent programs in many fields. The best choice depends on the specific program, faculty, and resources that align with your academic and career goals. Researching the specific departments and programs within each university is crucial.

  • How does the overall campus culture differ between UCLA and UT Austin?

    UCLA's campus culture is often described as having a more diverse and global perspective, reflecting its location in Los Angeles. It tends to be more focused on arts, entertainment, and social activism. UT Austin's campus culture is known for its strong school spirit, traditions, and a more pronounced Texan identity. It has a vibrant athletic culture and a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Both universities foster a sense of community, but the specific values and priorities may differ.

  • What are the graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes for UCLA and UT Austin students?

    Both UCLA and UT Austin have high graduation rates, indicating that students are successful in completing their degrees. Graduates from both universities are highly sought after by employers and are accepted into top graduate programs. The specific outcomes will vary depending on the program of study and individual student goals. Both universities provide resources to support students in their career pursuits and graduate school applications.

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