UCLA Acceptance Rate 2026
Quick Answer
UCLA’s acceptance rate for the 2026 admission cycle is 8.97%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the United States. With an in-state tuition of $15,203 and out-of-state tuition of $49,403, UCLA remains an affordable option for California residents. Graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes across disciplines.
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Learn More →Acceptance Snapshot
For the 2026 admission cycle, UCLA received a highly competitive applicant pool with an acceptance rate of 8.97% (as of April 2026, per NCES IPEDS data). This ultra-selective rate reflects UCLA’s position as a top-tier public research institution. The university enrolls approximately 33,475 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs.
UCLA’s acceptance rate underscores the institution’s rigorous admissions process. With fewer than 1 in 11 applicants gaining admission, prospective students should view UCLA as a reach school and prepare accordingly. The low acceptance rate has remained consistently competitive over recent years, reflecting sustained demand from high-achieving applicants worldwide.
SAT & ACT Scores
Note: Detailed 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT score ranges were not included in the available data. Prospective applicants should verify current testing requirements and score distributions directly with UCLA’s admissions office, as these metrics are critical for self-assessment during the application process.
For the most current standardized testing information, visit UCLA’s official admissions website or contact their admissions office directly.
Tuition & Costs
UCLA offers significant cost advantages for California residents:
| Cost Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $15,203 | $49,403 |
| Room & Board | Varies by housing | Varies by housing |
| Average Net Price | $12,548 | See Financial Aid section |
In-State Students: California residents benefit from substantially lower tuition rates. At $15,203 annually, UCLA’s in-state tuition is competitive among top public universities, though total cost of attendance varies based on housing, meals, and personal expenses.
Out-of-State Students: Non-California residents pay $49,403 in annual tuition—a significant premium that reflects UCLA’s status as a flagship public research institution. However, financial aid packages may reduce this burden for qualifying students.
The average net price across all income levels is $12,548, indicating that UCLA’s financial aid substantially offsets published tuition rates for many students.
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Learn More →Financial Aid Overview
UCLA commits to making education accessible through robust financial aid. The average net price of $12,548 demonstrates that actual out-of-pocket costs for many students fall well below published tuition rates.
Key Financial Metrics:
- Average Net Price: $12,548 (across all income brackets)
- Median Student Debt: $14,000 upon graduation
These figures suggest UCLA provides meaningful grant aid and financial packages. Students should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to access need-based aid, merit scholarships, and other funding opportunities. For specific information about financial aid eligibility, application deadlines, and award packages by income level, contact UCLA’s Financial Aid Office directly.
Graduation Rates
UCLA demonstrates exceptional student success with a 92.64% completion rate (six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students). This rate significantly exceeds the national average for four-year institutions, reflecting strong academic support, student engagement, and institutional commitment to degree completion.
The high graduation rate indicates that UCLA students, once admitted, are well-supported in achieving their degrees. This metric is particularly important for prospective students evaluating institutional quality and return on investment.
Post-Graduation Earnings
UCLA graduates achieve strong long-term career outcomes. The median earnings ten years after entry are $82,511, reflecting the value of a UCLA degree across the job market. This figure represents earnings across all majors and career paths, demonstrating broad economic benefit from UCLA attendance.
These earnings data come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and represent graduates from the 2014-2015 cohort measured in 2024-2025. Actual earnings vary significantly by major, field of study, and career trajectory.
Popular Majors
Note: Specific data on the top 10 majors by degrees awarded was not provided in the available dataset. UCLA offers extensive undergraduate and graduate programs across engineering, business, sciences, humanities, and professional fields. For detailed information about degree production by major, visit UCLA’s Office of Institutional Research or admissions website.
Demographics
Note: Detailed enrollment data by race/ethnicity and gender was not included in the available dataset. UCLA’s student body reflects California’s diversity and attracts students from across the United States and internationally. For current demographic breakdowns, consult UCLA’s official enrollment statistics published by the Office of Institutional Research.
Related Guides
- UVA Acceptance Rate 2026: 16.81% - Admissions Stats
- Brown University Acceptance Rate 2026: 76% Admissions
- Caltech Acceptance Rate 2025: 2.57% Admission Stats
- Drexel University Acceptance Rate 2026: 79% Admissions
- Duke University Acceptance Rate 2026: 5.71% Admissions
FAQ
What is UCLA’s acceptance rate for 2026?
UCLA’s acceptance rate for the 2026 admission cycle is 8.97%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. This means fewer than 1 in 11 applicants gain admission. Prospective students should view UCLA as a reach school and have backup options with higher acceptance rates.
How much does UCLA cost?
In-state tuition is $15,203 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $49,403 annually. However, the average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $12,548. Total cost of attendance varies based on housing, meals, and personal expenses. Many students pay significantly less than published tuition rates through grants and aid.
What are UCLA’s graduation rates?
UCLA has a 92.64% six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students, well above the national average. This high completion rate reflects UCLA’s academic support systems and student success initiatives.
How much do UCLA graduates earn?
UCLA graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry, according to College Scorecard data. Earnings vary by major, field of study, and career path. This figure represents the 2014-2015 cohort measured approximately ten years later.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores to UCLA?
Standardized testing requirements and score ranges were not included in this dataset. Contact UCLA’s admissions office directly or visit their official website for current testing policies, submission requirements, and typical score ranges for admitted students.
Is UCLA affordable for out-of-state students?
While out-of-state tuition ($49,403) is significantly higher than in-state tuition, UCLA’s average net price of $12,548 suggests that financial aid packages may substantially reduce costs. Out-of-state students should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine their eligibility for need-based aid and merit scholarships.
What is the median student debt at UCLA?
The median student debt upon graduation is $14,000, which is relatively modest compared to many universities. This reflects UCLA’s commitment to affordable education and robust financial aid offerings. However, individual debt levels vary based on family financial circumstances and aid eligibility.
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Learn More →Data Sources
This article draws from the following authoritative sources:
- NCES IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System): Admission rates, tuition, enrollment, and graduation data (data fetched April 11, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard: Post-graduation earnings, average net price, and median student debt
- UCLA Office of Institutional Research: Institutional enrollment figures
Important Disclaimer: College admissions data, tuition costs, and financial aid offerings change annually. This article reflects data current as of April 2026. Prospective students and families should verify all figures directly with UCLA’s admissions and financial aid offices before making decisions. For the most up-to-date information, visit UCLA’s official website or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.