Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | UCLA = $158,720. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
BU Top Majors
BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer ScienceUCLA Top Majors
BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology
Need Help Choosing Between BU & UCLA?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BU or UCLA harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 11.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or UCLA?+
At sticker price, UCLA costs less over 4 years ($244,680 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while UCLA offers $21,490/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and UCLA?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at UCLA it is 1405. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do BU or UCLA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of BU have a higher average starting salary ($72,300 vs $68,700). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
BU has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UCLA has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and UCLA compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. UCLA is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 419 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UCLA in NCAA D1.