College Comparison
Harvard University 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
Cambridge, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
30,259
47,335
Undergrad Enrollment
8,844
33,475
Student-Faculty Ratio
7:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
3.6%
9.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.92
SAT Range
1510–1580
1330–1530
ACT Range
34–36
29–34
Test Policy
Optional
Not Required
Application Fee
$85
$80
Total Applicants
54,008
146,272
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$73,849
$29,933
Avg Net Price
$16,816
$15,166
Tuition (In-State)
$52,659
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$52,659
$41,636
Room & Board
$21,190
$18,369
% Receiving Aid
56.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$68,015
$25,627
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
97.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$82,511
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Explore by Location
Harvard is in Cambridge, MA
UC Los Angeles is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $15,166 at California-Los Angeles. California-Los Angeles is $1,650 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Harvard University 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.
Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while California-Los Angeles has a graduation rate of 94%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while California-Los Angeles has a ratio of 20:1. Harvard University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At California-Los Angeles, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,627.
The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $82,511 for California-Los Angeles graduates. Graduates from Harvard University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. California-Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.

