College Comparison
UCLA vs UC Irvine: 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
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $45,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 29,494 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UCLA edges out UC Irvine on 6 of 7 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $82,511
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
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