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University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant tapestry of two prestigious universities: the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. UCLA, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, exudes a dynamic urban vibe, while UMich, rooted in the charming college town of Ann Arbor, radiates a quintessential collegiate atmosphere. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart, from their acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns seamlessly with your academic pursuits, personal preferences, and future aspirations.
University of California-Los Angeles logo

University of California-Los Angeles

 		University of Michigan-Ann Arbor logo

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Overview

Location Los Angeles, California Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Quarter Trimester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 97.0% 97.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 10.8% 20.2%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70
Graduate: $120
Undergraduate: $75
Graduate: $75
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 139,489 79,743
Total number of admissions given out 15,028 16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll 6,584 7,290
Yield rate 43.8% 45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $36,173
Out of state: $65,927
In state: $32,272
Out of state: $69,326
Average net price $13,393 $19,205
Tuition
In state: $11,442
Out of state: $41,196
In state: $15,850
Out of state: $52,904
Room & board $16,763 $12,592
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 45.0%
Average amount $17,592 		59.0%
Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan 11.0%
Average amount $4,391 		24.0%
Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $19,764 		3.0%
Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 32,122
Men 40.2% Women 59.8% 		32,282
Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students 13,994
Men 50.5% Women 49.5% 		17,996
Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 21.9% N/A
International students 14.5% 15.7%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 20,372 11,629
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 N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Engineering
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 92.1% 93.7%
Dropout rate 3.7% 5.7%
Transferred out 3.6% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $185,139
  • Year 2: $178,741
  • Year 3: $197,723
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $209,842
  • Year 2: $168,125
  • Year 3: $177,935
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $146,285
  • Year 2: $139,927
  • Year 3: $151,208
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $139,794
  • Year 2: $140,166
  • Year 3: $148,785
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $118,208
  • Year 2: $112,215
  • Year 3: $137,273
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,398
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $123,926
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,643
  • Year 2: $94,281
  • Year 3: $117,745
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,847
  • Year 2: $116,354
  • Year 3: $116,465
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,171
  • Year 2: $99,772
  • Year 3: $107,831
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,194
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $101,999

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main differences between UCLA and the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)?

    UCLA is a large public university located in Los Angeles, California, known for its strong programs in film, theater, and overall academic excellence within a vibrant urban environment. The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) is also a large public university, but it's situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a classic college town. Michigan is particularly renowned for its engineering, business, and law programs, and boasts a strong sense of school spirit and tradition.

  • Which school is more selective: UCLA or University of Michigan?

    UCLA generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than the University of Michigan, making it marginally more selective. However, both are highly competitive institutions, and admission depends on a strong academic record, compelling essays, and impressive extracurricular activities.

  • How do the campus environments compare?

    UCLA offers a quintessential Southern California experience with sunny weather, a sprawling campus, and easy access to beaches, entertainment, and diverse cultural attractions. The University of Michigan provides a more traditional college town atmosphere with distinct seasons, a lively downtown area, and a strong sense of community centered around the university.

  • Which university is better for students interested in film and television?

    UCLA is widely considered to be a top choice for students pursuing film and television. Its School of Theater, Film and Television is highly regarded and offers extensive resources and connections within the entertainment industry. While Michigan has film programs, UCLA's reputation and location give it a distinct advantage in this field.

  • How do the engineering programs at UCLA and University of Michigan compare?

    Both UCLA and the University of Michigan have excellent engineering programs. However, the University of Michigan's College of Engineering is often ranked slightly higher nationally and has a particularly strong reputation in areas like aerospace and mechanical engineering. UCLA's engineering school is also highly respected and offers a wide range of specializations.

  • What is the cost of attendance at UCLA versus the University of Michigan?

    As public universities, both UCLA and the University of Michigan offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents. For out-of-state students, the cost of attendance is significantly higher at both institutions. Generally, the University of Michigan's out-of-state tuition is slightly higher than UCLA's. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website for the most accurate information.

  • Which school has a stronger focus on research?

    Both UCLA and the University of Michigan are major research universities with significant funding and numerous research opportunities for students. They are both members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), indicating a strong commitment to research. The specific research strengths vary by department, so it's best to investigate the research opportunities within your specific field of interest at each university.

  • How does campus life differ between UCLA and University of Michigan?

    UCLA's campus life is influenced by its location in a major city, offering a wide range of social and cultural activities both on and off campus. The University of Michigan's campus life is more centered around the university itself, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, athletics, and student organizations. Both offer a vibrant and engaging campus experience, but the overall feel is different due to their respective locations.

  • Which school is better for pre-med students?

    Both UCLA and the University of Michigan are excellent choices for pre-med students. They both offer strong science programs, research opportunities, and access to medical facilities. Your choice may depend on your preferred learning environment and location. UCLA's proximity to numerous hospitals and research institutions in Los Angeles can be advantageous, while Michigan's medical school is highly regarded.

  • How do the athletic programs compare?

    Both UCLA and the University of Michigan have highly competitive Division I athletic programs. UCLA is known for its success in basketball, volleyball, and baseball, while the University of Michigan is particularly renowned for its football program. Both schools offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports, providing ample opportunities for students to participate and support their teams.

  • What are the career prospects like after graduating from UCLA or University of Michigan?

    Graduates from both UCLA and the University of Michigan are highly sought after by employers. UCLA benefits from its location in Southern California, providing access to opportunities in the entertainment, technology, and aerospace industries. The University of Michigan has strong connections to industries in the Midwest and beyond, particularly in automotive, manufacturing, and finance. Both universities have robust career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.

  • Which school has a more diverse student body?

    UCLA generally has a more diverse student body in terms of racial and ethnic representation, reflecting the demographics of California. The University of Michigan also strives for diversity, but its student body is less diverse overall. Both universities are committed to creating inclusive and welcoming environments for students from all backgrounds.

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