UCLA Acceptance Rate 2026: Your Real Chances by GPA
University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA · Public · Official Website ↗
Data updated: 2026-04-28
9.0% acceptance · 33,475 students · 92.6% grad rate
UCLA at a Glance
UCLA Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #20 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #32 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #18 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #13 | 2024 |
| US News Best Public Universities | #1 | 2025 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #23 | #24 | #21 | #19 | #20 | #20 | #20 | #20 | #15 | #20 |
US News National Universities: #23 (2016) → #20 (2025) ↑ 3 spots
About UCLA
University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA with 33,475 students. With a 9.0% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Psychology. The 93% graduation rate is well above the national average, signaling strong student support. Graduates earn a median of $82,511 ten years after enrollment.
| Full Name | University of California-Los Angeles |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA 90095 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucla.edu |
| Total Enrollment | 33,475 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 32,423 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 13,940 |
| Female Students | 57.0% |
| Freshman Retention | 97.0% |
Is UCLA a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 9.0%, UCLA is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | UCLA Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
UCLA True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at UCLA. Families earning $0-30k pay around $5,579 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $29,682. 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UCLA enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $14,000 is very manageable relative to the $59,063 median salary six years out.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $5,579 | $22,316 | -89% |
| $30-48k | $6,682 | $26,728 | -86% |
| $48-75k | $9,811 | $39,244 | -80% |
| $75-110k | $14,142 | $56,568 | -71% |
| $110k+ | $29,682 | $118,728 | -40% |
Cost Breakdown
| Tuition (In-State) | $15,203 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $49,403 |
| Room & Board | $17,952 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,251 |
| Other Expenses | $3,276 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $38,614 |
UCLA Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UCLA Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #13 | $116,250 | $75,000 | +55% |
| Engineering | #16 | $111,600 | $72,000 | +55% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $96,100 | $62,000 | +55% |
| Business | — | $85,250 | $55,000 | +55% |
| Health Professions | #8 | $80,600 | $52,000 | +55% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Architecture | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Social Sciences | #6 | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| History | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Education | #7 | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Psychology | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $52,700 | $34,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at UCLA
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
Transfer to UCLA
Transferring into UCLA (24.0% transfer rate) is actually easier than freshman admission (9.0%). Community college students with strong GPAs have a real path here.
UCLA transfer acceptance rate: 24.0% (vs 9.0% freshman rate — 2.7x more accessible).
Top Feeder Schools
| # | School | Annual Transfers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Monica College | 1,200+ |
| 2 | Pasadena City College | 450+ |
| 3 | De Anza College | 380+ |
| 4 | Diablo Valley College | 320+ |
| 5 | Irvine Valley College | 280+ |
What UCLA Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Class Rank | ★★★ Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | ★★★ Considered |
| Application Essay | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Recommendation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Talent Ability | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| First Generation | ★★★★ Important |
| Alumni Relation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Interview | ★★ Not Considered |
| Work Experience | ★★★★ Important |
| Volunteer Work | ★★★★ Important |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UCLA
More About UCLA
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UCLA is not affiliated with DeepColleges.