College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of California-Los Angeles
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
35,173
47,335
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
33,475
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
9.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.92
SAT Range
1510–1580
1330–1530
ACT Range
34–35
29–34
Test Policy
Optional
Not Required
Application Fee
$85
$80
Total Applicants
60,115
146,272
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$29,933
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$15,166
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$41,636
Room & Board
$17,580
$18,369
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$25,627
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$82,511
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
UC Los Angeles is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $15,166 at California-Los Angeles. California-Los Angeles is $6,834 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At California-Los Angeles, the typical SAT range is 1330-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%, while California-Los Angeles has a graduation rate of 94%. California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while California-Los Angeles has a ratio of 20:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $67,010. At California-Los Angeles, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,627.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $82,511 for California-Los Angeles graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting. California-Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.

