University of California, Los Angeles campus
University of California, Los Angeles logo

University of California, Los Angeles

#29 Worldwide🇺🇸 Los Angeles, CA, United States

About University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA is a top public university blending academic excellence with a powerhouse athletics and arts presence. Its medical and film schools are world-renowned.

PublicResearchUrban

Why Students Choose University of California, Los Angeles

  • task_altRanked #29 worldwide — globally recognized academic prestige.
  • task_altHighly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
  • task_altGenerous aid — 48% of students receive financial support.
  • task_altA large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
  • task_altAn active, well-funded research culture.
  • task_altDedicated scholarship programs, including Regents' Scholarship, Need-based Aid.

Selectivity

Acceptance Rate9%
Students on Aid48%

More selective than ~72% and ranked better than ~87% of the 172 schools in our directory.

At a Glance

  • Established1919
  • RegionUSA
  • Faculty Ratio18:1
  • WebsiteVisit ↗

Quick Stats

Student Pop.

46,000

Faculty Ratio

18:1

Avg. Class Size

28

Financial Aid

48%

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of California, Los Angeles admits approximately 9% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.

How much does University of California, Los Angeles cost per year?

Tuition is approximately 43,022 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.

Does University of California, Los Angeles offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes — University of California, Los Angeles offers Regents' Scholarship, Need-based Aid, and about 48% of students receive some form of financial aid.

When is the application deadline for University of California, Los Angeles?

The application deadline is Nov 30. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.

What can I study at University of California, Los Angeles?

University of California, Los Angeles offers 5 broad fields of study: Medicine, Arts & Design, Business, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences.

How big are classes at University of California, Los Angeles?

The average class size is 28 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, across a large campus of about 46,000 students.

University of California, Los Angeles logo

University of California, Los Angeles

🇺🇸 Los Angeles, CA, United States · USA

#29

Global Ranking

Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 24, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://www.ucla.edu.

At a Glance

Established1919
Student Population46,000
Faculty Ratio18:1
Average Class Size28
Acceptance Rate9%
Annual Tuition$43,022
Financial Aid Recipients48%
Application DeadlineNov 30
Websitehttps://www.ucla.edu

About University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA is a top public university blending academic excellence with a powerhouse athletics and arts presence. Its medical and film schools are world-renowned.

Tags: Public · Research · Urban

Why Students Choose University of California, Los Angeles

  • Ranked #29 worldwide — globally recognized academic prestige.
  • Highly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
  • Generous aid — 48% of students receive financial support.
  • A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
  • An active, well-funded research culture.
  • Dedicated scholarship programs, including Regents' Scholarship, Need-based Aid.

Admissions — Highly Selective

With only 9% of applicants admitted, every part of the application needs to be deliberate — academics, essays, and activities all carry weight.

This school is more selective than approximately 72% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 87% of them, and is more affordable than 20% (out of 172 schools compared).

Typical requirements:

  • Completed online application
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
  • 3 letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
  • Personal statement plus 2+ supplemental essays
  • Standardized test scores (optional at many schools, but top-decile scores strengthen the file)
  • Demonstrated depth in 1-2 extracurriculars rather than breadth across many

Test-optional, but admitted students who submit scores typically land in the 90th percentile or above.

Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)

Tuition$43,022
Housing & Living$15,058
Books & Supplies$1,721
Personal Expenses$3,442
Total Cost of Attendance$63,243
Est. Average Grant / Aid- $12,390
Est. Net Price$30,632
4-Year Total (before aid)$252,972

Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.

Scholarships

  • Regents' Scholarship
  • Need-based Aid

Majors & Career Outcomes

Medicine — $80,000 avg. starting salary

Common careers: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist

Arts & Design — $52,000 avg. starting salary

Common careers: Art Director, UX Designer, Illustrator, Creative Director

Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary

Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur

Social Sciences — $54,000 avg. starting salary

Common careers: Policy Analyst, Economist, Counselor, HR Specialist

Natural Sciences — $58,000 avg. starting salary

Common careers: Research Scientist, Lab Manager, Biotech Specialist, Environmental Consultant

Campus Life

A large, spirited campus in Westwood with elite sports and a major presence in entertainment.

Suggested Application Timeline

  • 12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
  • 8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
  • 4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
  • Nov 30 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
  • After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.

Similar Universities to Consider

SchoolRankTuitionAcceptance
Johns Hopkins University#28$60,4807%
Northwestern University#31$64,0007%
University of Michigan#33$52,26618%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of California, Los Angeles admits approximately 9% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.

How much does University of California, Los Angeles cost per year?

Tuition is approximately 43,022 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.

Does University of California, Los Angeles offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes — University of California, Los Angeles offers Regents' Scholarship, Need-based Aid, and about 48% of students receive some form of financial aid.

When is the application deadline for University of California, Los Angeles?

The application deadline is Nov 30. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.

What can I study at University of California, Los Angeles?

University of California, Los Angeles offers 5 broad fields of study: Medicine, Arts & Design, Business, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences.

How big are classes at University of California, Los Angeles?

The average class size is 28 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, across a large campus of about 46,000 students.