University of California-Los Angeles vs New York University
University of California-Los Angeles is extremely selective with a 8.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than New York University (9.4%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $82,511. For families earning $48k–$75k, University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable at $11,065 net price vs $18,555. Students at University of California-Los Angeles graduate with less debt ($14,000 vs $20,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
New York University has a higher yield rate (54.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable at $6,864 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $30,481 vs $59,931.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of California-Los Angeles enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (27%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
University of California-Los Angeles
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$110,878
- 2 Computer Engineering$97,071
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$90,678
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$83,915
- 5 Civil Engineering$68,592
New York University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$94,243
- 2 Mathematics and Statistics, Other$86,424
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$84,653
- 4 Business/Commerce, General$82,507
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General$79,957
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
University of California-Los Angeles
- 1 Economics
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
New York University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 2 Economics
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 5 Business/Commerce, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
University of California-Los Angeles
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$41,196
- Est. total cost/year$60,602
- School typePublic
New York University
- International students34%
- Tuition (international)$52,204
- Est. total cost/year$74,124
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 34% international enrollment, New York University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Los Angeles or New York University?
University of California-Los Angeles is more selective with a 8.7% acceptance rate, compared to 9.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: University of California-Los Angeles or New York University?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $82,511 compared to $82,509. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: University of California-Los Angeles or New York University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of California-Los Angeles has a lower net price at $11,065 per year vs $18,555. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Los Angeles vs New York University?
University of California-Los Angeles has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.7%, compared to 88.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: University of California-Los Angeles or New York University?
New York University has a larger international student population at 34% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at University of California-Los Angeles and New York University?
At University of California-Los Angeles, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $110,878 within two years. At New York University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $94,243. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.