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UCLA vs University of Georgia

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

8.6% UCLA acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$71,840 UGA 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
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $12,819
UCLA
$43,939
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UCLA more selective
UCLA
8.6%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UCLA higher
UCLA
92%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UCLA higher
UCLA
1405
UGA
1340
Starting Salary UCLA higher
UCLA
$68,700
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric UCLA UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,939$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$13,401$12,080UGA
Room & Board$17,231$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate8.6%39.0%UCLA
Graduation Rate92%88%UCLA
Average SAT14051340UCLA
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UGA
Enrollment47,60641,652-
Avg Financial Aid$21,490$12,980UCLA
Starting Salary$68,700$58,700UCLA
Endowment$8.0B$2.0BUCLA
Campus Size419 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UCLA = $158,720 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UCLA Top Majors

BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UCLAUrban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
UCLA419 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
UCLANCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
UCLAWest
UGASouth
Founded
UCLA1919
UGA1785
Enrollment
UCLA47,606
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UCLA or UGA harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UCLA or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $244,680). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UCLA offers an average of $21,490/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UCLA and UGA?+
The average SAT score at UCLA is 1405 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UCLA have a higher average starting salary ($68,700 vs $58,700). 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?+
UCLA has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UCLA and UGA compare for campus life?+
UCLA is located in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with a 419-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. UCLA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.