When people think of the University of California, Los Angeles, a few powerful images usually come to mind: a world-class public research university, a dominant force in collegiate athletics, and an iconic Southern California landmark with a famously beautiful campus. Its reputation as a global leader in higher education is well-earned and widely recognized.
But beyond the familiar story of academic prestige and sporting glory lies a history filled with unexpected turns and a modern identity shaped by facts that are far more surprising than most people realize. The story of UCLA is not just one of consistent excellence, but one of improbable growth, staggering statistics, and a global reach that extends far beyond its Westwood home.
Founded in 1919, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a global powerhouse of research, innovation, and academic excellence. For the 2026 academic year, UCLA continues to hold its prestigious title as the #1 public university in the United States, a position it has maintained for eight consecutive years.
Key Highlights: University of California, Los Angeles
- Ranking and Reputation: UC Los Angeles
- Acceptance Rate and Selectivity: University of California, Los Angeles
- Admission Requirements: University of California, Los Angeles
- Top Programs at UC Los Angeles: Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Faculties, Schools, and Departments: University of California, Los Angeles
- Cost of Studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Scholarships & Financial Aid at University of California, Los Angeles
- Career Outcomes & Employment: University of California, Los Angeles
- Notable Alumni: University of California, Los Angeles
- Conclusion
- FAQs
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Book a Free Session NowRanking and Reputation: UC Los Angeles
UCLA enjoys a stellar global reputation for academic excellence, research output, faculty quality, and graduate employability. It consistently ranks among the world’s top universities across major ranking platforms.
Global and National Rankings
| Ranking Body | UCLA Rank |
| QS World University Rankings | Top 30 globally |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | Top 20 globally |
| U.S. News Global Universities | Top 15 globally |
| U.S. News – National Universities (USA) | Top 15 |
| Best Public University (USA) | #1 or #2 consistently |
Reputation Highlights
- UCLA has been ranked the No. 1 public university in the U.S. multiple times.
- Strong reputation in engineering, computer science, business, medicine, law, film, and life sciences.
- Highly regarded by global employers, particularly in technology, entertainment, healthcare, finance, and research.
Acceptance Rate and Selectivity: University of California, Los Angeles
Admission to UCLA is “Extremely Competitive.” For the Fall 2025 entering class (Class of 2029), UCLA received a record-breaking number of applications, exceeding 145,000 for first-year admission alone.
Acceptance Rate Overview
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
| Overall Acceptance Rate | 8–9% |
| Undergraduate Acceptance Rate | 9% |
| Out-of-State Acceptance | 8% |
| International Students | 7% |
| Graduate Programs | 10%–30% (varies by program) |
For the 2025–26 cycle, UCLA remains strictly test-blind. This means SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admission or scholarship decisions.
| School/Program | Acceptance Rate (Estimated) |
| College of Letters & Science | 11% |
| Samueli School of Engineering | 6.8% |
| School of Nursing | 0.5% |
| Theater, Film & Television | 4.3% |
| School of the Arts & Architecture | 5.1% |
Why Is UCLA So Competitive?
- Over 170,000 undergraduate applications received annually
- Limited seats with extremely high academic standards
- Holistic admissions process evaluating academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and personal insight essays
Admission Requirements: University of California, Los Angeles
Admission to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is highly competitive, with the university following a holistic and test-blind admissions process. UCLA evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and overall profile strength rather than standardized test scores.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Admission Requirements
UCLA follows a holistic review process and does not require SAT/ACT scores (test-blind policy).
Academic Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Strong academic performance in college-preparatory courses
- Competitive GPA (typically 3.9+ unweighted for admitted students)
Subject Requirements
- 2 years of history/social science
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of mathematics (4 recommended)
- 2 years of laboratory science
- 2 years of foreign language
- 1 year of visual/performing arts
English Language Proficiency (International Students)
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
Personal Insight Questions: Applicants must respond to 4 of 8 essay prompts (350 words each maximum), showcasing unique experiences, leadership, creativity, and personal growth
Graduate (Machelor’s) Admission Requirements
Admission to UCLA’s graduate programs is decentralized, meaning that while the UCLA Graduate Division sets university-wide minimums, the specific academic department of your major has the final authority on additional requirements and higher benchmarks.
University-Wide Minimum Requirements
To be considered for any Master’s or Doctoral program at UCLA for the 2025–26 cycle, all applicants must meet these baseline standards:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a four-year degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable international degree.
- Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Note: In practice, most competitive programs (e.g., Computer Science, Economics) look for a 3.5–3.7+ GPA.
- Single Application Policy: UCLA allows you to apply to only one graduate program per application cycle.
Standardized Testing (GRE/GMAT)
The landscape for standardized testing at the graduate level has shifted significantly for 2026. Many departments have moved to “test-optional” or “test-blind” status, while professional schools still require them.
| School/Program | Requirement for 2026 |
| Anderson School (MBA) | Required: GMAT or GRE. (Average GMAT 710). |
| Samueli Engineering (MS) | Optional/Not Required: Check specific department (e.g., CS is optional). |
| Physical Sciences | Variable: Often not required for Math/Physics but check specifically. |
| Luskin Public Affairs | Not Required for most programs. |
| School of Education | Not Required for M.A./Ph.D. programs. |
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
Top Programs at UC Los Angeles: Bachelor’s and Master’s
UCLA’s academic catalog is vast, but several programs consistently stand out for their global influence, research funding, and career outcomes. For the 2025–2026 academic year, curriculum updates have emphasized interdisciplinary research and technological integration (AI/Data Science) across both liberal arts and STEM disciplines.
Premier Bachelor’s Programs
The undergraduate experience at UCLA is defined by the College of Letters and Science, which houses the most popular majors, as well as several elite professional schools.
1. Psychology & Psychobiology (The College)
Ranked #1 in the nation, UCLA’s Psychology department is a research juggernaut.
- Focus: New coursework in Neuro-AI and the psychological impacts of digital media.
- Curriculum: Students can choose between the B.A. in Psychology (social and developmental focus) or the B.S. in Psychobiology (biological and chemical focus).
- Career Pathway: High placement into medical school, clinical research, and behavioral economics.
2. Business Economics (The College)
Since UCLA does not offer a traditional “Undergraduate Business” degree, Business Economics (BizEcon) is the premier choice for aspiring finance and consulting professionals.
- Requirement: Applicants enter as “Pre-Business Economics” and must maintain a high GPA in core math and econ classes to officially enter the major.
- Distinct Feature: Access to the UCLA Investment Business Association (IBA) and direct recruitment from “Big Four” accounting firms and top-tier banks.
3. Computer Science (Samueli School of Engineering)
Often cited as the “Birthplace of the Internet,” this major is arguably the most competitive on campus with an acceptance rate typically below 6%.
- Updates: Expanded focus on Scalable AI Systems and Cybersecurity.
- Capstone Project: Senior students participate in a year-long design project, often sponsored by tech giants like Google or Amazon.
4. Film and Television (School of Theater, Film & Television)
Admitting only about 15–20 students per year, this is one of the most selective film programs in the world.
- Facility: Students have access to the UCLA Film & Television Archive, the second-largest in the U.S. after the Library of Congress.
- Curriculum: Covers everything from screenwriting and directing to the business of entertainment.
Elite Master’s and Professional Programs
UCLA’s graduate programs are designed for high-impact professional advancement and deep academic research.
1. Master of Business Administration (Anderson School of Management)
The Anderson MBA is a global leader in Entrepreneurship and Tech Management.
- Key Statistic: Average GMAT score of 714 and average base salary of $155,000.
- Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Global Management, and Real Estate.
- The AMR Project: Instead of a thesis, students complete the Applied Management Research (AMR) program, a strategic consulting project for a real-world client.
2. M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Ranked top 10 by QS for several years, this 15-month program is designed to bridge the gap between data science and business strategy.
- Curriculum: Focuses on machine learning, optimization, and large-scale data management.
- Outcome: 100% of the class typically secures employment within 6 months of graduation.
3. Master of Science in Engineering (MSEN)
Offered both on-campus and through a highly-ranked online platform, the Engineering Master’s allows for intense specialization.
- Top Tracks: Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, and the newly expanded AI in Engineering track for 2026.
- Research: Many Master’s students work within “Organized Research Units” (ORUs) funded by over $1 Billion in annual research grants.
- Master of Public Policy (Luskin School of Public Affairs)
Given its location in Los Angeles, the MPP program offers unique opportunities to study urban policy and social justice.
- Focus: Students specialize in Environmental Policy, Health Policy, or Urban Planning.
- Partnerships: Strong ties to the California State Legislature and local L.A. municipal government.
Professional and Specialized Programs at UCLA
UCLA also offers highly respected professional programs that are globally recognized:
| Program | School | Reputation |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | David Geffen School of Medicine | Among the top medical schools in the U.S.; strong research hospitals |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | UCLA School of Law | Known for constitutional law, business law, and public interest law |
| Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | School of the Arts & Architecture | Innovative, design-driven curriculum |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | Graduate School of Education | Strong focus on policy, leadership, and teaching excellence |
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Get Expert Help NowFaculties, Schools, and Departments: University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a comprehensive public research university offering academic programs through a wide range of colleges, professional schools, and interdisciplinary divisions. As of 2025–26, UCLA consists of more than 15 academic schools and colleges, covering disciplines from arts and humanities to engineering, medicine, law, and public policy.
UCLA’s academic structure is designed to encourage interdisciplinary learning, research collaboration, and real-world application, making it one of the most academically diverse universities in the world.
Major Colleges and Professional Schools at UCLA
| College / School | Primary Focus Areas |
| College of Letters and Science | Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences |
| Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science | Engineering, Computer Science, Technology |
| Anderson School of Management | Business, Finance, Entrepreneurship |
| David Geffen School of Medicine | Medicine, Biomedical Research |
| UCLA School of Law | Law, Legal Studies |
| School of Theater, Film and Television | Film, Media, Performing Arts |
| School of the Arts and Architecture | Fine Arts, Design, Architecture |
| Luskin School of Public Affairs | Public Policy, Urban Planning, Social Welfare |
| Fielding School of Public Health | Public Health, Epidemiology |
| Herb Alpert School of Music | Music, Performance, Composition |
| Graduate School of Education and Information Studies | Education, Information Science |
| School of Nursing | Nursing and Healthcare |
| School of Dentistry | Dental Education and Research |
Cost of Studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers world-class education at a comparatively affordable cost for in-state students, while out-of-state and international students pay higher tuition. The total cost of studying at UCLA depends on the program, residency status, and lifestyle choices.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (Annual)
| Category | In-State Students (USD) | Out-of-State / International Students (USD) |
| Base Tuition & Student Fees | 14,500 | 14,500 |
| Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition | 30,000 | |
| Total Tuition & Fees | 14,500 | 44,500 |
International students are classified as non-resident students and are required to pay the Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition.
Estimated Undergraduate Living Expenses (Annual)
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| On-Campus Housing & Meals | 17,500 – 18,500 |
| Books & Academic Supplies | 1,400 – 1,600 |
| Health Insurance | 2,800 – 3,200 |
| Transportation | 800 – 1,200 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous Expenses | 1,800 – 2,200 |
| Total Living Cost | 25,000 |
Total Undergraduate Cost of Attendance (Annual)
| Student Type | Estimate Total Cost (USD) |
| In-State Students | 39,000 – 41,000 |
| Out-of-State / International Students | 69,000 – 71,000 |
Graduate Tuition Fees at UCLA
Graduate tuition at UCLA varies by school and program. Below are average annual estimates for popular graduate programs.
| Program Type | Estimated Annual Tuition (USD) |
| MS (Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science) | 33,000 – 50,000 |
| MBA (Anderson School of Management) | 78,000 – 82,000 |
| MPH (Public Health) | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| MS Biotechnology | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| MS Civil / Electrical Engineering | 35,000 – 48,000 |
| Law (JD) | 55,000 – 60,000 |
| Medicine (MD) | 60,000+ |
Total Graduate Cost of Attendance (Annual)
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost (USD) |
| MS Programs | 60,000 – 75,000 |
| MBA (Anderson) | 105,000 – 115,000 |
| Law (JD) | 85,000 – 90,000 |
| Medicine (MD) | 90,000+ |
Additional Costs International Students Should Consider
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| F-1 Student Visa Fee | 510 |
| SEVIS Fee | 350 |
| Initial Setup (Housing, Deposits) | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Flight to USA | 800 – 1,500 |
Scholarships & Financial Aid at University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is committed to the principle that financial circumstances should not be a barrier to an elite education. For the 2026 academic year, the university has expanded its “gift aid” programs, ensuring that over 52% of undergraduate Bruins pay no tuition at all.
Unlike loans, scholarships and grants are “gift aid” that do not need to be repaid. For 2025, UCLA has streamlined the application process by using the Bruin Financial Aid Portal for all departmental and university-wide awards.
Key Scholarship Programs for 2026
UCLA offers a mix of merit-based and need-based aid. The most prestigious awards are determined during the initial admissions process.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Type | Award Amount (Avg.) | Key 2025–26 Update |
| Regents’ Scholarship | Merit-Based | $2,000 – $5,000/year | Includes Priority Enrollment & Guaranteed Housing. |
| Chancellor’s Service Award | Merit/Leadership | $1,000 – $5,000 | Awarded to 2025 admits with high community impact. |
| Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan | Need-Based | Full Tuition Covered | Income ceiling remains at $80,000 for CA residents. |
| Middle Class Scholarship | Need-Based | Up to 40% of Tuition | Available for families earning up to $226,000. |
| Joe C. Wen Nursing Scholarship | Merit/Need | $5,000 – $25,000 | Funded by the new $30M endowment for Nursing students. |
| AAP Scholarship | Diversity/Need | $1,500 – $5,000 | For students in the Academic Advancement Program. |
The “Tuition-Free” Pathway: Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
For the 2025–26 cycle, the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan remains the cornerstone of UCLA’s affordability.
- Requirement: You must be a California resident with a total family income below $80,000.
- Benefit: It guarantees that your systemwide tuition and fees (currently $14,934) will be fully covered by scholarships or grants.
- Note: Many students receive additional aid beyond this to help with the “Hill” (housing and food) costs.
Scholarship Spotlight: The Regents’ Scholarship
The Regents’ Scholarship is the highest honor bestowed upon entering undergraduates. For 2025, the selection process remains extremely rigorous, targeting the top 1.5% of the applicant pool.
- Financial Benefit: A $2,000 annual honorarium (multiplied if there is financial need).
- “Bruin Perks”: Regents Scholars receive priority registration for classes, which is a massive advantage in a large university, ensuring they always get their first-choice schedule.
- Faculty Mentorship: Direct access to a faculty mentor in their specific department.
Specialized & Departmental Aid
Beyond university-wide awards, individual schools offer targeted support:
- Samueli Engineering: Offers the Henry Samueli Scholarship for promising innovators.
- Herb Alpert School of Music: Merit-based scholarships based on audition performance.
- Graduate Fellowships: For 2026, Doctoral students often receive “Full Funding” packages, which include tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend (ranging from $24,000 to $38,000) in exchange for research or teaching.
Career Outcomes & Employment: University of California, Los Angeles
A degree from UCLA is widely regarded as one of the most valuable assets in the global job market. For the 2025–2026 academic year, UCLA graduates continue to see exceptional returns on investment (ROI), driven by the university’s proximity to Silicon Beach, the Los Angeles Financial District, and the global capital of Entertainment and Media.
According to the latest First-Destination Survey (FDS) data, approximately 93.5% of graduates secure employment or enroll in top-tier graduate programs within six months of walking across the stage at Pauley Pavilion.
Employment Overview
The employment landscape for Bruins is characterized by high starting salaries and a strong presence in high-growth industries.
| Category | Undergraduate (B.A./B.S.) | Graduate (MBA/Professional) |
| Employment Rate | 86% | 93.5% (Within 3 months) |
| Median Starting Salary | $74,200 | $155,000 |
| Top Recruitment Hub | California (70%) | California & Northeast (85%) |
Top Recruiting Industries & Employers
UCLA’s Career Center facilitates thousands of on-campus interviews and networking events annually. For 2025, the demand for AI-specialized engineers, healthcare administrators, and strategic consultants has reached record levels.
Top Hiring Sectors (2025):
- Technology (23.4%): Led by Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.
- Consulting (24.9%): Dominated by McKinsey & Company, BCG, Deloitte, and EY-Parthenon.
- Financial Services (17.7%): Major recruiters include Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley.
- Healthcare & Biotech: Driven by UCLA Health (ranked #5 nationally) and Amgen.
- Entertainment: High placement at Disney, Netflix, and NBCUniversal.
Salary Breakdown by Major
The “Bruin Pay” advantage is most visible when looking at specific disciplines.
| Major/Program | Average Starting Salary | 10-Year Mid-Career Salary |
| Computer Science | $114,322 | $196,000+ |
| Nursing (B.S.N.) | $98,000 – $110,000 | $145,000+ |
| Economics / Biz-Econ | $82,400 | $165,000+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,666 | $154,000+ |
| Psychology (Research) | $68,500 | $115,000+ |
| Data Science / Stats | $114,107 | $185,000+ |
Professional Graduate Outcomes (Anderson MBA 2025)
The UCLA Anderson School of Management released its most recent employment report showing a median base salary of $142,800, with the consulting sector reporting a median of $175,000.
- Consulting: 25% of the class (Median Salary: $175,000).
- Tech: 23.4% of the class (Median Salary: $142,000).
- Finance: 17.7% of the class (Median Salary: $175,000).
Notable Alumni: University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA’s alumni network, now exceeding 670,000 members, is a powerhouse of global influence spanning Nobel Prizes, Academy Awards, and industry-defining leadership.
| Name | Field / Industry | Notable Achievement |
| Jackie Robinson | Sports | First African American player in Major League Baseball |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Sports | NBA legend; 6-time NBA Champion; Hall of Famer |
| Ben Stiller | Film & Entertainment | Actor, director, producer; Hollywood A-list star |
| Francis Ford Coppola | Film | Academy Award-winning director (The Godfather trilogy) |
| James Franco | Film & Television | Actor, filmmaker, academic |
| Mayim Bialik | Entertainment & Science | Actress; Neuroscientist; TV host |
| Nicholas Goldberg | Journalism | Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist |
| Carol Burnett | Entertainment | Legendary comedian and television icon |
| Jimmy Iovine | Music Industry | Co-founder of Interscope Records; Apple Music executive |
| Randy Newman | Music | Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer |
| Francis Fukuyama | Politics & Academia | Influential political economist and author |
Conclusion
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) stands as one of the world’s leading public research universities, combining academic excellence, global reputation, innovation, and outstanding career outcomes. With its consistently top global rankings, highly competitive admissions, and wide range of world-class bachelor’s and master’s programs, UCLA continues to attract talented students from across the globe.
What truly sets UCLA apart is its holistic educational ecosystem – from renowned faculty and cutting-edge research facilities to strong industry connections and a powerful global alumni network. Located in Los Angeles, one of the world’s most dynamic economic and cultural hubs, UCLA students benefit from unparalleled exposure to technology, entertainment, healthcare, business, and public policy sectors.
FAQs
Is UCLA a public or private university?
UCLA is a public research university and a part of the University of California (UC) system, which is widely regarded as the best public university system in the United States.
What is UCLA’s global ranking in 2026?
In 2025–26, UCLA ranks among the top 15–30 universities globally and is consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 public university in the United States by major ranking organizations.
How competitive is admission to UCLA?
UCLA is highly selective, with an overall acceptance rate of around 8–9%. International students face even stronger competition due to limited seats and high academic standards.
How hard is it to get into the Joe C. Wen School of Nursing?
It is the most selective program at UCLA. For the Fall 2025 cohort, the acceptance rate was approximately 0.5%, with only 31 students admitted out of over 5,600 applicants. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required, but admitted students typically have near-perfect academics and significant clinical/volunteer experience.
Does UCLA offer Early Action or Early Decision?
No. UCLA has a single application deadline (typically December 2 for Fall admission). All applicants are notified of their status at the same time, usually in late March.
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