Head-to-Head Comparison
Emory University vs University of California-Los Angeles
- Emory Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 20
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Los Angeles offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,548 vs Emory University's $22,585, University of California-Los Angeles delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Los Angeles's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Emory
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Los Angeles
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Emory University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $10,037 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Emory graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% 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 University of California-Los Angeles over Emory University. Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment vs $80,137.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Emory University. Net price $12,548 vs $22,585.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Emory University and University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Los Angeles is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Emory University takes 11%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Los Angeles 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 $10,037 a year below Emory University's $22,585. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $18,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $40,148 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, University of California-Los Angeles graduates report median earnings of $82,511, compared with $80,137 at Emory University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Los Angeles to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Emory University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, 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 $22,585 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,250, against $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Los Angeles has less business program depth, and Emory University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment of 33,475 far exceeds Emory University's 7,298.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Los Angeles holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 40% at Emory — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Emory 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
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
Emory University has an impressive graduation rate of 91%. This high percentage reflects the strong support systems in place for students and their ability to successfully navigate their academic journeys. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Emory attracts a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Emory's graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment. This earning potential suggests that students are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields like business, health professions, and social sciences. While detailed mobility rates are not available, the strong outcomes indicate that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can succeed here.
The net price for attending Emory is $22,585, with a median debt of $18,250. This financial framework allows many students to graduate with manageable debt levels. Emory is ideal for motivated students who thrive in an academically rigorous environment and seek strong career outcomes post-graduation.
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
Emory University is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Emory's top program is Business Administration (23% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Emory) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Emory University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, 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.
Emory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Emory University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 11% at Emory University.
Which is more affordable, Emory 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 $22,585 at Emory University.
Do Emory University or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,137 at Emory University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Emory University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 91%.
Should you choose Emory 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. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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