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UCLA vs University of Florida

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

8.6% UCLA acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$83,448 UF cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Public
Founded
1919
Enrollment
47,606
Setting
Urban
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $15,281
UCLA
$43,939
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate UCLA more selective
UCLA
8.6%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate UCLA higher
UCLA
92%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score UCLA higher
UCLA
1405
UF
1390
Starting Salary UCLA higher
UCLA
$68,700
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric UCLA UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,939$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$13,401$6,380UF
Room & Board$17,231$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate8.6%23.0%UCLA
Graduation Rate92%90%UCLA
Average SAT14051390UCLA
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UF
Enrollment47,60655,211-
Avg Financial Aid$21,490$12,860UCLA
Starting Salary$68,700$64,200UCLA
Endowment$8.0B$2.7BUCLA
Campus Size419 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UCLA = $158,720 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UCLA Top Majors

BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UCLAUrban
UFSuburban
Campus Size
UCLA419 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
UCLANCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
UCLAWest
UFSouth
Founded
UCLA1919
UF1853
Enrollment
UCLA47,606
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UCLA or UF harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UCLA or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $244,680). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UCLA offers an average of $21,490/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UCLA and UF?+
The average SAT score at UCLA is 1405 and at UF it is 1390. 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 UCLA or UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UCLA have a higher average starting salary ($68,700 vs $64,200). 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?+
UCLA has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UCLA and UF compare for campus life?+
UCLA is located in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with a 419-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. UCLA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.