Los Angeles, CA · Private University
Is UCLA Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$82,511
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$13,747
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,524
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$178,096
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.85x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
92.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,013
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $37,511 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of California-Los Angeles ranked by graduate earnings
144 graduates
90 graduates
57 graduates
85 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of California-Los Angeles
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of California-Los Angeles, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $164,612) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $28,993) is $135,619/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $164,612 | 3.7x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $110,760 | 2.5x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $105,969 | 2.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,701 | 2.2x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $97,038 | 2.2x |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $93,464 | 2.1x |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $92,873 | 2.1x |
| Chemical Engineering | $92,741 | 2.1x |
| Civil Engineering | $90,288 | 2.0x |
| Economics | $81,475 | 1.8x |
| Applied Mathematics | $81,414 | 1.8x |
| Mathematics | $77,892 | 1.8x |
| Statistics | $77,720 | 1.8x |
| Physics | $73,644 | 1.6x |
| Human Biology | $73,339 | 1.6x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $69,142 | 1.6x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $68,882 | 1.6x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $65,593 | 1.5x |
| Cognitive Science | $62,158 | 1.4x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $61,875 | 1.4x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $61,419 | 1.4x |
| Geography and Cartography | $60,363 | 1.4x |
| Chemistry | $59,720 | 1.3x |
| International/Global Studies | $59,381 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $58,937 | 1.3x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $57,559 | 1.3x |
| Area Studies | $55,626 | 1.3x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $55,469 | 1.3x |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $55,461 | 1.3x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $55,337 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $55,250 | 1.2x |
| Sociology | $54,562 | 1.2x |
| Psychology, General | $52,754 | 1.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $52,432 | 1.2x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $51,490 | 1.2x |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $49,690 | 1.1x |
| History | $47,888 | 1.1x |
| Anthropology | $46,401 | 1.0x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $44,860 | 1.0x |
| Philosophy | $43,881 | 1.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $42,938 | 1.0x |
| East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $42,261 | 0.9x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $40,318 | 0.9x |
| Literature | $36,428 | 0.8x |
| Music | $34,625 | 0.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $28,993 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of California-Los Angeles offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $82,511 10 years after starting — $37,511 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.7 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.