University of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

The University of California, Los Angeles, founded in 1919, has grown from a small Southern California branch to become the most applied-to university in America. UCLA combines academic excellence with Southern California culture, creating an environment where intellectual rigor meets creativity, athletics, and ideal weather. The university consistently ranks among the top 15 universities globally and number one among public universities. UCLA's culture reflects Los Angeles: diverse, ambitious, creative, and optimistic. The Bruin spirit unites students from every background and interest. True Bruin values emphasize integrity, excellence, accountability, respect, and service. This inclusive excellence attracts students seeking both academic challenge and quality of life. Notable alumni span entertainment, athletics, business, and academia: Jackie Robinson (the first African American in Major League Baseball), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, film directors Francis Ford Coppola and Shane Black, author Jack Black, and numerous Nobel laureates. UCLA has produced more NCAA championships than any other university and countless entertainment industry leaders. UCLA enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students on a 419-acre campus in Westwood, just miles from the Pacific Ocean. The $7 billion endowment supports research, financial aid, and facilities rivaling any private university. Italian Romanesque architecture, lush landscaping, and views of the Santa Monica Mountains create one of America's most beautiful campuses.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

Size: N/A
Type: N/A
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Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
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Tuition (In-State): N/A
Tuition (Int'l): N/A

Student Life & Environment

Life at UCLA pulses with an energy that reflects its Southern California setting. The campus functions as a small city, complete with restaurants, gyms, theaters, and green spaces where students gather between classes. Bruins take their traditions seriously, from the annual Beat SC week before the rivalry football game to the midnight yell during finals. The university supports over 1,000 student organizations, ranging from cultural groups and professional societies to recreational clubs and service organizations. Housing at UCLA guarantees first-year students a spot in the residence halls, where they live in communities designed to ease the transition to college life. The dining program consistently ranks among the best in the nation, featuring diverse cuisine that reflects the multicultural makeup of the student body. Athletes competing in 25 varsity sports have brought home more NCAA championships than any other university, and that winning tradition extends to club and intramural sports where thousands of students participate. The Wooden Center and other fitness facilities stay packed throughout the day as students balance their academic commitments with physical wellness. Weekend life offers countless options. Some students head to Santa Monica or Venice Beach, while others explore the museums, music venues, and neighborhoods that make Los Angeles unique.

Location & Surroundings

Westwood provides UCLA students with an ideal blend of campus community and urban access. The neighborhood immediately surrounding campus offers restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, and boutiques within walking distance of the residence halls. Students can grab a meal on Broxton Avenue or catch an early screening at one of the historic theaters that have hosted premieres since Hollywood's golden age. Beyond Westwood, Los Angeles sprawls in every direction with opportunities for exploration. The Getty Center sits just minutes north, offering world-class art with stunning views of the city. Santa Monica and its famous pier lie five miles west, perfect for afternoon beach trips. Downtown LA has experienced a renaissance with arts districts, food halls, and cultural venues that draw students seeking experiences beyond campus. Public transit options continue to expand, with the Expo Line connecting Westwood to downtown and other neighborhoods. The climate allows year-round outdoor activity, and students take full advantage. Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, surfing at Malibu, skiing at Big Bear during winter months, and simply enjoying campus lawns on sunny afternoons all form part of the UCLA experience.

Costs & Career Outcomes

UCLA offers strong value as a public research university, particularly for California residents who benefit from in-state tuition rates. Annual costs for California students run approximately $14,000 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $44,000. Room and board adds another $17,000-$19,000 depending on housing and meal plan selections. The university estimates total cost of attendance between $36,000 for in-state students and $67,000 for those from outside California. Financial aid reaches approximately 55% of undergraduates, with the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covering educational and student services fees for qualifying California residents from families earning below $80,000. Scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans combine to make UCLA accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The Financial Aid and Scholarships office guides families through the process of maximizing available support. Career outcomes for UCLA graduates reflect the university's strong reputation and location advantages. The Career Center connects students with employers through fairs, on-campus recruiting, and an alumni network spanning major industries. Graduates enter fields ranging from entertainment and technology to healthcare, law, and public service. Graduate school acceptance rates remain strong, particularly for programs in medicine, law, and business.