University of California Los Angeles: Courses, Fees, and Rankings

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States and globally. According to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, UCLA ranks #1 among public universities in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year. It is also placed within the top 15 universities worldwide by the QS World University Rankings 2025. With over 46,000 students, more than 130 undergraduate majors, and a campus spanning 419 acres in Los Angeles, UCLA offers a powerful combination of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant campus life. This guide is about the best aspects of the university- the educationally best programs and research, friendship, and the excitement of student life. You will see the internships that might just change the path of your life, and feel the excitement of the significant housing options that fit your lifestyle. If you hope to have a fulfilling experience on campus in classrooms and have fun, or you are thrilled at the opportunity to work with internationally recognized organizations after graduation, it is one of the best universities in USA.

University of California Los Angeles

University of California Los Angeles was established in 1919, and today, it is one of the top world-renowned public universities. Positioned at the helm of learning, diversity, and innovation, it invites students from all over the globe. With over 45,000 students on campus, it is one of the US's largest and most exciting campuses and is truly a cultural hotbed, UCLA has around 5,400 total faculty, with roughly 4,500 of them serving instructional roles. Because UCLA is in sunny Westwood, it has a considerable advantage, located near Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and major research areas, students explore the best of the traditional campus and real-world opportunities. UCLA offers students a dynamic and diverse campus community with endless opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth. Beyond the classroom, students can choose from over 1,200 student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic societies, volunteer groups, and leadership programs. The campus hosts a wide range of events year-round, from guest lectures and film screenings to music festivals and advocacy campaigns. With a highly selective yet inclusive admissions process, UCLA fosters an environment where students can thrive, connect, and contribute to a truly global community.

University of California Los Angeles Rankings

UC Los Angeles is known worldwide for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. It consistently ranks among the top universities across several respected platforms:

Program-Specific Rankings at UCLA

UC Los Angeles  is proud to offer programs that rank highly across the board, including:

1. Business Programs: Ranked among the top 20 in the U.S. for undergraduate business studies.
   
   
2. School of Law: Consistently ranked in the top 20 nationwide for legal education.
   
   
3. Computer Science: Known for its hands-on learning and strong connections with tech companies in Silicon Beach and beyond.

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University of California Los Angeles Courses and Programs

When you choose UCLA, you have numerous undergraduate programs and graduate and advanced degree programs. You could go into engineering and every related field; you could study film and television; you could be a pre-med or pre-law major. Every course is intended to challenge, inspire, and prepare you for what's next.

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Notable Schools and Colleges at UCLA

UC Los Angeles is home to some of the most respected schools and colleges, each known for excellence in their fields:

1. Anderson School of Management: Ideal for students aiming to lead in business, finance, and entrepreneurship.
   
   
2. Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science: A top choice for those interested in engineering, computer science, and technology innovation.
   
   
3. School of Theater, Film, and Television: Perfect for students passionate about storytelling, acting, and media production.
   
   
4. School of Law: Known for its commitment to social justice and a strong network of alumni.

Student Life at University of Los Angeles

At UCLA, we embrace the moment, exploring and discovering opportunities. Below are some things to expect when you are welcomed to the Bruin family: 

1. Diversity and Inclusion 

UC Los Angeles welcomes and has students from all over the world and is advancing diversity and inclusion in every way possible. There are students from over 100 countries, making it a truly amazing melting pot of inclusion and diversity. It provides an open and accepting environment and continuously creates programming to further its commitment to diversity, such as cultural events and student organizations. The African Student Union and Asian Pacific Coalition have created cultural learning and sharing spaces for all Bruins through diversity, belonging and engagement with the community.

2. Clubs and Organizations
   No matter your interests, there’s a club for you here
   
   

• Bruin Athletics: Cheer on UCLA’s NCAA Division I teams across various sports.
  
  
• UCLA Theater: For those who love acting and performing arts.
  
  
• Anime Bruin: A club dedicated to Japanese animation and pop culture.
  
  
• Community Service Commission: Get involved in volunteer projects that make a difference.

Admissions Process at University of California Los Angeles

If UC Los Angeles is on your list, it’s important to understand how the admissions process works. Here’s a clear guide to help you get started and know what to expect.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s what you need to know if you’re applying to the University of California Los Angeles:

1. Undergraduate Applicants: UCLA looks for strong academic records, typically with a competitive high school GPA. Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are currently optional, but may strengthen your application.
   
   
2. Graduate Applicants: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, usually with a minimum GPA of around 3.0. Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.
   
   
3. English Proficiency: If you’re an international student, you’ll need to submit TOEFL (minimum score of 87) or IELTS (minimum band of 7.0) scores to demonstrate English language ability.

If you’re interested in learning about other universities with selective admissions, don’t miss our blog on universities with low acceptance rates in the USA for a detailed comparison.

Application Process

Here’s how to apply to UC Los Angeles step-by-step:

1. Choose Your Program: Browse the wide range of programs on UCLA’s official website to find the one that fits your goals.
   
   
2. Tuition Fees and Scholarships at UCLAPrepare Your Documents:
   
   
   
   • Official high school or college transcripts
     
     
   • Personal statement or essay
     
     
   • Resume or CV (especially for graduate applications)
     
     
   • Letters of recommendation (usually two for graduate programs)
     
     
3. Submit Your Application:
   
   
   
   • Undergraduates apply through the University of California Application system.
     
     
   • Graduate applicants use UCLA’s Graduate Division application portal.
     
     
4. Pay the Application Fee:
   
   
   
   • $70 for undergraduate applicants
     
     
   • Varies for graduate programs, usually around $105

Application Deadlines

Here are the key dates to keep in mind when applying to UCLA:

1. Undergraduate Early Action: November 30
   
   
2. Regular Decision: January 15
   
   
3. Graduate Programs: Deadlines vary by program, usually between December and March—be sure to check your specific department’s date.

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Going to UCLA represents an investment in an exceptional education, which comes with many funding options. Here’s a quick overview of tuition and available scholarships to help bring the cost of your education down.

University of California Tuition Fees

1. Undergraduate Programs: For out-of-state and international students, tuition is around $45,000 per year. California residents pay significantly less, thanks to in-state tuition rates.
   
   
2. Graduate Programs: Tuition varies depending on the program but typically ranges from $17,000 to $30,000 per year.

University of California Los Angeles Scholarships

It has innumerable scholarship options to help students afford university tuition. Whether as a graduate student or an undergraduate student, there are opportunities for students to find ways to decrease cost through a merit-based award or a need-based award.

Undergraduate Scholarships at UCLA

1. Regents Scholarship: One of UCLA’s most prestigious awards, it covers full tuition and provides additional support for high-achieving students.
   
   
2. Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Helps California residents from low- and middle-income families by covering tuition costs not met by financial aid.
   
   
3. Transfer Achievement Scholarship: Available for transfer students with strong academic records, offering financial support to ease the transition.

Graduate Scholarships at UCLA

1. Graduate Fellowship Awards: These offer partial tuition waivers and stipends to support students in many programs, helping to reduce costs by 10-30%.
   
   
2. School-Specific Scholarships: Many UCLA schools, like the Anderson School of Management and the School of Law, offer scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 a year to support graduate students.

By offering competitive tuition rates alongside generous scholarship opportunities, it works hard to make a world-class education accessible to students from all backgrounds. To discover more ways to fund your studies, check out our guide on the top scholarships in the USA and begin planning your financial aid journey today.

Notable Alumni Network at UCLA

University of California Los Angeles alumni community includes many influential figures who have made significant impacts across various fields. Here are just a few standout Bruins:

1. Jack Black: Actor, comedian, and musician, known for roles in School of Rock and Jumanji.
   
   
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: NBA legend and six-time MVP, also an author and social activist.
   
   
3. Mayim Bialik: Actress and neuroscientist, famous for The Big Bang Theory.
   
   
4. Ralph Bunche: Nobel Peace Prize winner and influential diplomat.
   
   
5. Maya Rudolph: Comedian and actress, known for Saturday Night Live and many film roles.
   
   
6. Tim Robbins: Academy Award-winning actor and director.
   
   
7. James Franco: Actor, filmmaker, and writer.

Career Prospects at UCLA

Your professional experience begins the moment you arrive at UCLA. It’s Career Center will be there for you to help you every step of the way, wherever that may lead - developing resumes, practicing interviews, and anything in between - so that when you enter the workforce, you feel ready to go!

As an institution in Los Angeles, it also has remarkable opportunities for individuals to gain internships or jobs with some of the largest and most influential entertainment, tech, and business organizations. It has built partnerships and connections with industry leaders - for instance, Google, Disney, NBCUniversal, and SpaceX - which can create opportunities in various industries for students.  Approximately 90% of UCLA career graduates are employed within six months of graduation, or are pursuing (or both!) graduate schooling. 

Programs and services like the UCLA Internship Program, Handshake, and job fairs are all ways to easily connect with jobs or internships. Plus it’s proximity to downtown LA means that you are a short distance away from many clusters of businesses, and this makeup can give you great access to experiential learning opportunities, networking events, and build upon skills.

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Accommodation Options at UCLA

Choosing a living space is an important part of your college experience at UCLA! Regardless of whether you decide to live on-campus or off-campus there are various options to make the situation work.

On-Campus Housing

It has several residential halls, including Rieber Hall and De Neve Plaza, which all have strong community living and many amenities, such as walking distance to your classes and access to dining and campus events. By living on campus, you will have the full Bruin experience, and you will experience all that UCLA has to offer without a commute.

Off-Campus Housing

If you want more independence, off-campus apartments and shared housing are popular choices. Platforms like AmberStudent make it easy to find nearby options in neighborhoods like:

1. 1539 Beloit Ave, Los Angeles
2. 1515 Colby Ave, Los Angeles
3. 1265 Barry Ave, Los Angeles
4. 1751 Malcolm Ave, Los Angeles
5. 1450 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles

These off-campus sites are located close to UCLA, offer good amenities, and have customizable leases, making it much easier for you to find somewhere more like home and not worrying about changing locations.

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