University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs University of Iowa (UIowa)
Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles or the charming college town of Iowa City. University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Iowa (UIowa) offer distinct experiences, each with its own strengths and characteristics. UCLA, a public research university in Westwood, California, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while UIowa, a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa, is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum and its Big Ten athletic programs. Compare their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates in the table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() University of California-Los Angeles |
![]() University of Iowa |
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Overview |
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Location | Los Angeles, California | Iowa City, Iowa |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Quarter | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 97.0% | 88.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 10.8% | 86.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$120
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Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | N/A | 1130 - 1350 |
ACT range | N/A | 22 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 18.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 65.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 139,489 | 22,434 |
Total number of admissions given out | 15,028 | 19,340 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 6,584 | 4,521 |
Yield rate | 43.8% | 23.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$36,173
Out of state:
$65,927
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In state:
$24,686
Out of state:
$46,649
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Average net price | $13,393 | $17,599 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,442
Out of state:
$41,196
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In state:
$8,356
Out of state:
$30,319
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Room & board | $16,763 | $11,780 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
45.0%
Average amount $17,592 |
71.0%
Average amount $11,007 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
11.0%
Average amount $4,391 |
44.0%
Average amount $5,282 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $19,764 |
10.0%
Average amount $16,747 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
32,122
Men 40.2% Women 59.8% |
21,608
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
Graduate students |
13,994
Men 50.5% Women 49.5% |
8,301
Men 46.1% Women 53.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 21.9% | 39.4% |
International students | 14.5% | 5.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 20,372 | 6,660 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California Texas Washington New York Illinois | Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin California |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 92.1% | 73.7% |
Dropout rate | 3.7% | 7.2% |
Transferred out | 3.6% | 17.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
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Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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