Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Florida
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 18
- Florida Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of California-Los Angeles achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 91%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $12,548 compared to University of Florida's $6,541 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Florida benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,588 at ten years.
51 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California-Los Angeles
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than University of Florida
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $6,007 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-Los Angeles graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Florida in Engineering (15%). 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 University of Florida. Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over University of California-Los Angeles. Net price $6,541 vs $12,548.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Los Angeles and University of Florida are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles 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
University of California-Los Angeles is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while University of Florida takes 24%.
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 Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $6,007 a year below University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $15,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,028 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida 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 $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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 Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick University of California-Los Angeles 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 Florida saves about $6,007 a year, yet University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $10,923 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. University of California-Los Angeles concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while University of Florida leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $12,548 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Florida has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Los Angeles has less business program depth, and University of Florida offers the stronger options.
No strong negative signals — Florida competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Los Angeles holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 42% at Florida — 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) 3 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-Los Angeles's top program is Sociology (25% of enrollment), while Florida leads with Mechanical Engineering (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-Los Angeles is strongest in Psychology, while University of Florida concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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.
California-Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Los Angeles or University of Florida?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 24% at University of Florida.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $12,548 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Do University of California-Los Angeles or University of Florida graduates earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Florida?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 91%.
Should you choose University of California-Los Angeles or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of California-Los Angeles 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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How do California-Los Angeles and Florida 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.
