When deciding on a college, it’s essential to compare and contrast various factors to determine which institution best fits your needs and expectations. In this article, we examine the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Texas A&M University, comparing their costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and other aspects.
UCLA Overview
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1919, it is the second-oldest campus in the University of California system. UCLA is known for its high-quality education, strong research programs, and vibrant campus life. The university offers over 125 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs across various fields.
UCLA Costs & Tuition
Tuition fees at UCLA are dependent on the student’s residency status. In-state students can expect to pay around $13,226 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $42,218. Additional costs, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, can add up to an estimated total annual cost of $35,700 for in-state students and $64,700 for out-of-state students.
UCLA Admissions
UCLA is known for its competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 14.3%. The university looks for well-rounded applicants with strong academic records, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1300 and 1530, and ACT scores between 30 and 34.
UCLA Degrees Offered
UCLA offers a wide range of degree programs across various disciplines, including Business, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Public Affairs, and more. Students can choose from over 125 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and goals.
UCLA Academics
UCLA is renowned for its strong academic programs and diverse course offerings. The university has an average class size of 26 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, providing a personalized learning environment. UCLA also emphasizes research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
UCLA Diversity
UCLA has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, offering various programs and resources to support underrepresented students and promote cultural understanding.
UCLA Students
UCLA’s student population is approximately 45,000, with around 31,000 undergraduate and 14,000 graduate students. The university has over 1,000 student organizations, providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, develop leadership skills, and build connections with their peers.
UCLA Campus
UCLA’s 419-acre campus is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. The campus features stunning architecture, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, providing an inspiring learning environment. UCLA also offers on-campus housing, with a variety of residence halls and apartments available to students.
UCLA Alumni
UCLA has a strong network of over 500,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have made significant contributions to various fields. Some notable UCLA alumni include Jackie Robinson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Franco.
UCLA Rankings
UCLA consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, UCLA ranked #20 among National Universities and #1 among Top Public Schools.
UCLA Outcomes
UCLA has a strong record of successful student outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 91% and an average starting salary of $54,000 for recent graduates. The university also has a robust career services department, offering resources and support to help students find internships and employment opportunities.
Texas A&M Overview
Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas, is a public research university founded in 1876. As the state’s first public institution of higher learning, Texas A&M is known for its strong academics, research opportunities, and rich campus traditions. The university offers over 130 undergraduate degree programs and more than 170 graduate programs across various disciplines.
Texas A&M Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Texas A&M University vary depending on the student’s residency status and chosen program. In-state students can expect to pay around $11,870 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $38,602. Additional costs for room and board, books, and personal expenses can bring the total annual cost to around $28,000 for in-state students and $54,000 for out-of-state students.
Texas A&M Admissions
Texas A&M University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 58%. The university looks for well-rounded applicants with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1170 and 1380, and ACT scores between 24 and 31.
Texas A&M Degrees Offered
Texas A&M offers a diverse range of degree programs across various disciplines, including Agriculture, Architecture, Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and more. With over 130 undergraduate majors and more than 170 graduate programs, students can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Texas A&M Academics
Texas A&M is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to research. The university has an average class size of 30 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Texas A&M also has numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration.
Texas A&M Diversity
Texas A&M has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and offers various programs and resources to support underrepresented students and promote cultural understanding.
Texas A&M Students
Texas A&M has a student population of approximately 69,000, with around 55,000 undergraduate and 14,000 graduate students. The university has over 1,000 student organizations, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, develop leadership skills, and build connections with their peers.
Texas A&M Campus
The Texas A&M campus, located on 5,200 acres in College Station, Texas, boasts beautiful green spaces and modern facilities. The university offers on-campus housing, with a variety of residence halls and apartments available to students. Campus traditions, such as the Midnight Yell and Aggie Ring, contribute to a strong sense of community and school spirit.
Texas A&M Alumni
Texas A&M has a vast network of over 508,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have made significant contributions to various fields. Notable alumni include Rick Perry, Lyle Lovett, and Von Miller.
Texas A&M Rankings
Texas A&M consistently ranks highly in various national and international rankings. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Texas A&M ranked #66 among National Universities and #23 among Top Public Schools.
Texas A&M Outcome
Texas A&M has a strong record of successful student outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 82% and an average starting salary of $52,000 for recent graduates. The university also offers robust career services, providing resources and support to help students find internships and employment opportunities.
UCLA vs Texas A&M Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UCLA and Texas A&M, it’s important to consider the differences in tuition, fees, and additional expenses. For in-state students, UCLA’s estimated total annual cost is around $35,700, while Texas A&M’s is approximately $28,000. For out-of-state students, UCLA’s total annual cost comes to about $64,700, compared to Texas A&M’s $54,000.
UCLA vs Texas A&M Admissions Difficulty
Both UCLA and Texas A&M have competitive admissions processes. However, UCLA is known to be more selective, with an acceptance rate of 14.3%, compared to Texas A&M’s 58%. Students applying to UCLA typically have higher SAT and ACT scores, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring between 1300 and 1530 on the SAT and between 30 and 34 on the ACT.
UCLA vs Texas A&M Academic Difficulty
Both universities have rigorous academic programs and high-quality teaching. UCLA has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio (18:1) compared to Texas A&M (20:1), which may provide a more personalized learning experience. Additionally, both universities offer numerous research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students.
UCLA vs Texas A&M Outcome Comparison
UCLA boasts a higher six-year graduation rate (91%) compared to Texas A&M (82%). Additionally, recent UCLA graduates have an average starting salary of $54,000, while recent Texas A&M graduates earn an average starting salary of $52,000. Both universities have strong career services departments to help students find internships and job opportunities.
