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University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UDub)

Nestled in the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and Seattle, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UW) stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they also possess unique characteristics that set them apart. UCLA boasts a lower acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a higher graduation rate compared to UW. On the other hand, UW offers a wider selection of undergraduate majors, attracts a more diverse student population, and has a slightly lower cost of attendance. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting the key differences between these two esteemed universities. Explore the data and discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
University of California-Los Angeles logo

University of California-Los Angeles

 		University of Washington-Seattle Campus logo

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Overview

Location Los Angeles, California Seattle, Washington
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Quarter Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 97.0% 93.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 10.8% 53.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70
Graduate: $120
Undergraduate: $80
Graduate: $85
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 48,840
Total number of admissions given out 15,028 26,121
Admitted students who chose to enroll 6,584 7,252
Yield rate 43.8% 27.8%
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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $36,173
Out of state: $65,927
In state: $30,640
Out of state: $58,470
Average net price $13,393 $8,701
Tuition
In state: $11,442
Out of state: $41,196
In state: $10,927
Out of state: $38,757
Room & board $16,763 $14,871
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 45.0%
Average amount $17,592 		41.0%
Average amount $15,895
Students receiving federal student loan 11.0%
Average amount $4,391 		19.0%
Average amount $4,460
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $19,764 		1.0%
Average amount $24,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 32,122
Men 40.2% Women 59.8% 		36,201
Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students 13,994
Men 50.5% Women 49.5% 		16,233
Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 21.9% N/A
International students 14.5% 14.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 20,372 11,123
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
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 21:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 92.1% 83.9%
Dropout rate 3.7% 15.6%
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: $189,764
  • Year 2: $218,927
  • Year 3: $206,965
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,990
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $154,987
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $137,584
  • Year 2: $120,252
  • Year 3: $152,099
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $133,070
  • Year 2: $127,652
  • Year 3: $142,606
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $141,725
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $121,620
  • Year 2: $124,420
  • Year 3: $137,488
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $121,083
  • Year 2: $121,294
  • Year 3: $131,592
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $94,893
  • Year 2: $118,349
  • Year 3: $127,982
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $113,634
  • Year 2: $113,228
  • Year 3: $125,171
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,287
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $121,695

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main differences between UCLA and UW in terms of location and campus environment?

    UCLA is located in the vibrant Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, offering a bustling urban environment with easy access to beaches, entertainment, and diverse cultural experiences. The campus is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture and sunny weather. UW, on the other hand, is situated in Seattle, Washington, a city known for its tech industry, coffee culture, and stunning natural beauty. UW's campus boasts a more Pacific Northwest feel, with Gothic architecture and frequent rainfall, surrounded by lakes and mountains.

  • How do UCLA and UW compare in terms of academic reputation and rankings?

    Both UCLA and UW are highly regarded public universities with strong academic reputations. UCLA consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States and globally, particularly known for its programs in film, law, medicine, and engineering. UW also holds a strong position in national and global rankings, with notable strengths in medicine, computer science, engineering, and public health. Both institutions are research powerhouses, attracting significant funding and producing impactful research.

  • What are the differences in tuition and cost of attendance between UCLA and UW?

    Tuition and cost of attendance vary significantly between UCLA and UW, especially for out-of-state students. Generally, UCLA is more expensive for out-of-state students due to California's higher non-resident tuition fees. For in-state students, UCLA is typically more affordable. UW's tuition is lower for Washington residents but higher for non-residents. The overall cost of living in Los Angeles is also generally higher than in Seattle, impacting expenses like housing and transportation.

  • How do the student bodies at UCLA and UW differ in terms of diversity and demographics?

    Both UCLA and UW boast diverse student bodies, but their demographics reflect their respective locations. UCLA draws a large proportion of its students from California, resulting in a diverse mix of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. UW attracts students from across Washington state, the Pacific Northwest, and internationally, with a significant Asian American population. Both universities are committed to fostering inclusive environments and offer resources to support students from diverse backgrounds.

  • What are the popular majors and academic programs at UCLA and UW?

    UCLA is renowned for its programs in film, theater, business, law, medicine, engineering, and life sciences. Popular majors include Biology, Business Economics, Political Science, and Psychology. UW excels in computer science, engineering, medicine, public health, environmental sciences, and business. Popular majors include Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, and Business Administration. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

  • How do UCLA and UW compare in terms of campus life and extracurricular activities?

    UCLA offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on Greek life, sports, and student organizations. The campus is known for its active student government and numerous clubs catering to diverse interests. UW also has a rich campus life with a focus on outdoor activities, research opportunities, and student-led initiatives. Seattle's proximity to mountains and water provides ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to enhance the student experience.

  • What are the career opportunities and alumni networks like at UCLA and UW?

    Both UCLA and UW offer excellent career opportunities and strong alumni networks. UCLA's location in Los Angeles provides access to internships and jobs in the entertainment, technology, and business sectors. The UCLA alumni network is extensive and influential, particularly in California. UW's location in Seattle offers opportunities in the tech industry (especially with companies like Amazon and Microsoft), aerospace, and healthcare. The UW alumni network is strong in the Pacific Northwest and increasingly global. Both universities have career centers that provide resources and support to students and alumni.

  • How do the admissions processes and acceptance rates compare between UCLA and UW?

    Both UCLA and UW are highly selective universities with competitive admissions processes. UCLA generally has a lower acceptance rate than UW, making it slightly more difficult to get into. Both universities consider a variety of factors in their admissions decisions, including academic record, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Strong applications are essential for both institutions.

  • What kind of research opportunities are available at UCLA and UW?

    Both UCLA and UW are major research universities with extensive opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UCLA has a strong emphasis on research in medicine, engineering, and the sciences, with numerous research centers and institutes. UW is also a research powerhouse, particularly in medicine, computer science, and environmental sciences, with significant funding from government agencies and private organizations. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty members, contributing to cutting-edge discoveries.

  • How does the weather and surrounding environment differ between UCLA and UW?

    UCLA enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather year-round. The surrounding environment is characterized by beaches, mountains, and a bustling urban landscape. UW experiences a more temperate climate with frequent rainfall, especially during the fall and winter months. The surrounding environment is known for its lush forests, mountains, and waterways, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. The weather and environment can significantly impact the overall student experience and lifestyle.

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