College Comparison
UCLA vs Penn 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1220–1400wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UCLA edges out Penn 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%
Penn State Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1220–1400
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Want a deeper comparison?
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