HomeCompare › Georgia Tech vs UCLA

Georgia Tech vs UCLA

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
8.6% UCLA acceptance
$58,936 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Public
Founded
1919
Enrollment
47,606
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $10,145
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UCLA
$43,939
Acceptance Rate UCLA more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UCLA
8.6%
Graduation Rate UCLA higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UCLA
92%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UCLA
1405
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UCLA
$68,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UCLA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$43,939Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$13,401Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$17,231Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%8.6%UCLA
Graduation Rate90%92%UCLA
Average SAT14501405Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:118:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28547,606-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$21,490UCLA
Starting Salary$83,600$68,700Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$8.0BUCLA
Campus Size400 acres419 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UCLA = $158,720. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UCLA Top Majors

BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UCLAUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UCLA419 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UCLANCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UCLAWest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UCLA1919
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UCLA47,606

Need Help Choosing Between Georgia Tech & 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

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UCLA harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UCLA?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $244,680). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while UCLA offers $21,490/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and UCLA?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech 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 Georgia Tech or UCLA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and UCLA compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UCLA is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 419 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UCLA in NCAA D1.