Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs University of California-Los Angeles
- Brown Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 20
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Los Angeles offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Brown University achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,184 compared to University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of California-Los Angeles benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,511 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than University of California-Los Angeles
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-Los Angeles
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $12,636 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); California-Los Angeles in Social Sciences (25%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Brown University over University of California-Los Angeles. Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment vs $82,511.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Brown University. Net price $12,548 vs $25,184.
Pick Brown University over University of California-Los Angeles. 96% completion rate vs 93%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but Brown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while University of California-Los Angeles takes 9%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of California-Los Angeles comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $12,636 a year below Brown University's $25,184. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $14,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $50,544 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Los Angeles leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brown University graduates report median earnings of $93,487, compared with $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.17x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Brown University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 93%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Los Angeles to keep costs and debt down; pick Brown University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of California-Los Angeles saves about $12,636 a year, yet Brown University graduates earn $10,976 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brown University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of California-Los Angeles leans toward Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,184 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $14,000, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment of 33,475 far exceeds Brown University's 7,226.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brown holds onto its admits more tightly: 63% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at California-Los Angeles — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Brown offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Los Angeles does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.
Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.
Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
Brown University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 25% of Brown's student body and 25% of California-Los Angeles's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Psychology, Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 9% at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $25,184 at Brown University.
Do Brown University or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 93%.
Should you choose Brown University or University of California-Los Angeles?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Los Angeles if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Brown University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Brown and California-Los Angeles stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
