University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs UW-Madison

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles and the vibrant city of Madison, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions 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 UW-Madison offers a more affordable tuition, a stronger emphasis on research, and a vibrant Greek life. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the specifics of each university, including popular majors, student demographics, and notable alumni, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	University of California-Los Angeles	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Los Angeles, California	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	95.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	10.8%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1320 - 1500
ACT range	N/A	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		15.0%
Students submitting ACT score		55.0%
Total number of applicants	139,489	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	15,028	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,584	8,465
Yield rate	43.8%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $36,173 Out of state: $65,927	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$13,393	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$16,763	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	45.0% Average amount $17,592	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $4,391	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $19,764	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	32,122 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	13,994 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	21.9%	50.6%
International students	14.5%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	20,372	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Texas Washington New York Illinois	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.1%	89.2%
Dropout rate	3.7%	10.0%
Transferred out	3.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $131,458 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,083 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $130,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,390 Year 2: $113,091 Year 3: $124,360 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $96,320 Year 2: $117,042 Year 3: $123,777 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,338 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $111,424 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $104,219 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,387 Year 2: $100,213 Year 3: $103,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $97,306 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $94,093 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,730 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $91,306

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UCLA and UW-Madison?

UCLA is located in the vibrant Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, offering a bustling urban environment with access to beaches, entertainment, and diverse cultural experiences. The campus is large and architecturally diverse. UW-Madison, on the other hand, is situated in Madison, Wisconsin, a classic college town known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, including lakes Mendota and Monona. The campus is centered around State Street, a pedestrian mall connecting the university to the Wisconsin State Capitol.
How do UCLA and UW-Madison compare in terms of academic reputation and rankings?

Both UCLA and UW-Madison are highly regarded public universities. UCLA consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States and globally, particularly strong in fields like engineering, law, medicine, and the arts. UW-Madison is also a top-tier public institution, renowned for its research contributions and strong programs in engineering, agriculture, life sciences, and social sciences. While UCLA often ranks slightly higher overall, both offer excellent academic opportunities.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UCLA and UW-Madison?

The cost of attendance varies significantly depending on residency. For California residents, UCLA is generally more affordable due to lower in-state tuition. However, for out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition rates. Keep in mind that the overall cost of living in Los Angeles is typically higher than in Madison, Wisconsin, which can impact expenses like housing and transportation.
How do the student bodies at UCLA and UW-Madison differ?

UCLA has a larger and more diverse student body, drawing students from across California, the United States, and the world. UW-Madison also has a large student population, but it is more heavily comprised of students from Wisconsin and the Midwest. Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations and activities, reflecting the diverse interests of their students.
What are the strengths of UCLA and UW-Madison in specific academic areas?

UCLA is particularly strong in fields like film, theater, law, medicine, engineering (especially aerospace), and business. UW-Madison excels in areas such as agricultural sciences, engineering (particularly chemical and industrial), life sciences, education, and social sciences. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, so it's best to research specific departments within your area of interest.
What are the main differences in campus culture and social life between UCLA and UW-Madison?

UCLA's campus culture is influenced by its location in Los Angeles, with a focus on entertainment, innovation, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Social life at UCLA is diverse, with opportunities ranging from Greek life to academic clubs to exploring the city. UW-Madison has a strong sense of school spirit and a more traditional college town atmosphere. Social life often revolves around campus events, outdoor activities on the lakes, and the vibrant State Street scene.
How do UCLA and UW-Madison compare in terms of research opportunities?

Both UCLA and UW-Madison are major research universities with extensive funding and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UCLA has strong research programs in areas like medicine, engineering, and the sciences, often collaborating with nearby research institutions. UW-Madison is known for its research in agriculture, life sciences, and engineering, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of UCLA and UW-Madison?

Graduates from both UCLA and UW-Madison are highly sought after by employers. UCLA benefits from its location in Los Angeles, providing access to opportunities in the entertainment, technology, and aerospace industries. UW-Madison has strong connections to industries in the Midwest, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Both universities have robust career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.
How do the climates differ between UCLA and UW-Madison, and how might that affect my experience?

UCLA enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather year-round. This allows for outdoor activities throughout the year. UW-Madison experiences a four-season climate with cold winters, including snow and ice, and warm, humid summers. Be prepared for significant temperature variations and dress accordingly. The winter weather can impact transportation and outdoor activities.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at UCLA and UW-Madison?

Both UCLA and UW-Madison offer a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The specific types and amounts of aid available will depend on your individual financial situation and academic qualifications. It's important to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any institutional financial aid applications to determine your eligibility. Both universities also offer scholarships specific to certain majors or backgrounds.

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