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College Comparison

UCLA vs University of Michigan: 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

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUCLAUniversity of Michigan
Acceptance Rate8.7%wins17.9%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1350–1530wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A31–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$44,524wins$58,072
Avg Net Price$14,013wins$14,832
Median Earnings (10 yr)$82,511$83,648wins
Graduation Rate92.7%93.2%wins
Retention Rate96.8%97.6%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio18:111:1wins
Total Enrollment33,04033,488wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, University of Michigan 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

  • Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
  • Avg Net Price: $14,013

University of Michigan Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1530
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,648
  • Graduation Rate: 93.2%
  • Retention Rate: 97.6%

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