University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs ASU Tempe

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Los Angeles or Tempe, home to two esteemed universities: University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and Arizona State University (ASU). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that shape the student experience. UCLA, nestled in Westwood, boasts a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 12%, while ASU, located in the heart of Tempe, welcomes a broader range of students, reflected in its 88% acceptance rate. Explore the nuances of each university's popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, meticulously presented in the comparison table below, to discern which campus best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Arizona State University Campus Immersion	University of California-Los Angeles
Overview
Location	Tempe, Arizona	Los Angeles, California
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.2%	10.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	61,603	139,489
Total number of admissions given out	54,329	15,028
Admitted students who chose to enroll	14,250	6,584
Yield rate	26.2%	43.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,034 Out of state: $45,124	In state: $36,173 Out of state: $65,927
Average net price	$14,934	$13,393
Tuition	In state: $10,710 Out of state: $28,800	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,176 Meal plan: $5,520	$16,763
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	89.0% Average amount $12,201	45.0% Average amount $17,592
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,913	11.0% Average amount $4,391
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $20,834	1.0% Average amount $19,764

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	64,716 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	32,122 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
Graduate students	13,165 Men 52.1% Women 47.9%	13,994 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	37.3%	21.9%
International students	11.8%	14.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	16,334	20,372
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Illinois Washington Texas	California Texas Washington New York Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Computer and Information Science Health Professions	Engineering Business Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	92.1%
Dropout rate	11.4%	3.7%
Transferred out	20.8%	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,851 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $114,816 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $103,690 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $111,949 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,013 Year 2: $98,650 Year 3: $105,146 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,598 Year 2: $94,075 Year 3: $98,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,654 Year 2: $94,817 Year 3: $97,267 Chemical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,735 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $94,702 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,560 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $89,330 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $86,958 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,698 Year 2: $77,618 Year 3: $86,662 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,373 Year 2: $75,804 Year 3: $85,635	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $129,237 Year 2: $134,761 Year 3: $179,615 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $150,028 Year 2: $143,744 Year 3: $157,681 Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $156,116 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $117,100 Year 2: $110,878 Year 3: $147,842 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $92,050 Year 2: $101,128 Year 3: $130,087 Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $112,202 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $126,081 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,282 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $123,214 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $110,139 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $111,727 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,817 Year 2: $96,775 Year 3: $110,729 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,892 Year 2: $99,040 Year 3: $110,415

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, offering a vibrant urban environment with access to beaches, cultural attractions, and a diverse population. ASU's Campus Immersion program, while specific location details may vary, is generally situated within the broader ASU campus network in Tempe, Arizona. This provides a more suburban setting with a focus on a large, integrated university experience, often with a strong emphasis on athletics and a more desert-like climate.
How do the academic programs compare at UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA is renowned for its highly ranked academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and humanities. It's known for its strong research focus and competitive admissions. ASU, including its Campus Immersion program, also offers a broad spectrum of academic programs, with a particular emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary studies. ASU has grown rapidly in recent years and has a strong focus on online learning and accessibility, which may influence the structure of the Campus Immersion program.
What is the cost of attendance like at UCLA versus ASU's Campus Immersion program?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, as a public university, UCLA offers relatively lower tuition rates for California residents compared to out-of-state students. ASU, also a public university, follows a similar tuition structure. However, the specific costs associated with the Campus Immersion program at ASU may differ depending on the program's structure and any associated fees. It's best to consult the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA boasts a dynamic student life with a wide array of clubs, organizations, and social events, reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles. The campus culture is often described as collaborative and academically driven, with a strong emphasis on student activism and engagement. ASU, including its Campus Immersion program, offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on athletics, Greek life, and a more expansive campus environment. The culture is often characterized by a strong sense of school spirit and a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels for UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA is highly selective, with rigorous admission requirements including high GPAs, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and strong extracurricular involvement. ASU, while also selective, generally has a higher acceptance rate than UCLA. Admission requirements for ASU's Campus Immersion program may vary depending on the specific program, but generally align with ASU's overall admission standards. Prospective students should carefully review the admission criteria for each institution and program.
How do career services and opportunities compare at UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

Both UCLA and ASU offer robust career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and career development. UCLA's location in Los Angeles provides access to a vast network of industries, including entertainment, technology, and business. ASU, with its strong industry connections and focus on innovation, also offers excellent career opportunities, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and sustainability. The specific career services offered within ASU's Campus Immersion program may be tailored to the program's focus.
Are there any specific advantages to attending UCLA versus ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA's advantages include its prestigious reputation, location in a major metropolitan area, and access to a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. ASU's Campus Immersion program may offer advantages such as a more focused program experience, a strong emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary studies, and a potentially more accessible campus environment. The best choice depends on your individual academic and personal preferences.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

Both UCLA and ASU offer a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. UCLA provides need-based financial aid to eligible students, and also offers merit-based scholarships. ASU also offers a comprehensive financial aid program, including both need-based and merit-based scholarships. The specific financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities may vary depending on the program and individual circumstances. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities for detailed information.
How do the research opportunities differ at UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA is a leading research institution, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work with renowned faculty. ASU also places a strong emphasis on research, particularly in areas like sustainability, engineering, and technology. The Campus Immersion program at ASU may offer research opportunities tailored to the program's specific focus, providing students with hands-on research experience.
What are the housing options like at UCLA and ASU's Campus Immersion program?

UCLA offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, providing students with a convenient and supportive living environment. ASU, including its Campus Immersion program, also provides a range of on-campus housing options, often with a focus on community building and student engagement. The specific housing options and availability may vary depending on the program and the time of year. It's advisable to apply for housing early to secure a spot.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.