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College Comparison

UCLA vs Michigan State: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA

School

Michigan State

East Lansing, MI

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUCLAMichigan State
Acceptance Rate8.7%wins83.9%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1150–1350wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A26–31
Tuition (Out-of-State)$44,524$43,372wins
Avg Net Price$14,013wins$20,751
Median Earnings (10 yr)$82,511wins$67,253
Graduation Rate92.7%wins82.2%
Retention Rate96.8%wins91.4%
Student–Faculty Ratio18:117:1wins
Total Enrollment33,04040,243wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, UCLA edges out Michigan State on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

UCLA Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
  • Avg Net Price: $14,013
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $82,511
  • Graduation Rate: 92.7%

Michigan State Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1150–1350
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
  • Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
  • Total Enrollment: 40,243

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