Head-to-Head Comparison
Stanford University vs University of California-Los Angeles
- Stanford Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 18
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 14
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 Stanford University's $13,807, University of California-Los Angeles delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 50% more than University of California-Los Angeles
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-Los Angeles
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $1,259 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stanford graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (21% 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 Stanford University over University of California-Los Angeles. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $82,511.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Stanford University. Net price $12,548 vs $13,807.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stanford University and University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while University of California-Los Angeles takes 9%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford 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 $1,259 a year below Stanford University's $13,807. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $14,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,036 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, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. That is a 50% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.17x.
So what: An earnings gap of 50% 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; pick Stanford 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 $1,259 a year, yet Stanford University graduates earn $41,569 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. Stanford University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, 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
No strong negative signals — Stanford competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $14,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment of 33,475 far exceeds Stanford University's 7,554.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at California-Los Angeles — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
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
Stanford University and University of California-Los Angeles appear together in 6 rankings. On the Hardest Colleges to Get Into, Stanford University ranks #1 — Stanford University outranks University of California-Los Angeles by 38 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Stanford's top program is Computer Science (21% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
California-Los Angeles
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stanford) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stanford University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. 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.
Stanford
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stanford University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 9% at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which is more affordable, Stanford 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 $13,807 at Stanford University.
Do Stanford University or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stanford University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 92%.
Should you choose Stanford 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 Stanford 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.
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