College Comparison
UCLA vs Northwestern University: 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
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7% | 7.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1490–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $65,997 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $27,143 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $89,363wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 95.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 97.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 8,960 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northwestern edges out UCLA on 6 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,040
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1560
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $89,363
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.9%
Want a deeper comparison?
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