Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs University of California-Los Angeles
- New York Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 20
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 21
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 New York University's $37,050, 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Los Angeles
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $24,502 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 New York University. Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over New York University. Net price $12,548 vs $37,050.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over New York University. 93% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York 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 New York University takes 9%.
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 $24,502 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $98,008 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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
University of California-Los Angeles graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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.
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. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, while University of California-Los Angeles leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles.
No strong negative signals — California-Los Angeles competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at California-Los Angeles — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York 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) 4 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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
New York University is featured on the Best MBA Programs for General Management ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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.
New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into New York University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 9% at New York University.
Which is more affordable, New York 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 $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York 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 $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 88%.
Should you choose New York 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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