Choosing the right college is a significant decision in a student’s life. UCLA and Penn State University are two well-known institutions, each offering unique experiences, opportunities, and education for their students. In this comparison, we will explore various aspects of both universities, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes, to help you determine which school is the best fit for you.
UCLA Overview
Founded in 1919, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. UCLA is known for its diverse student body, strong academics, and competitive sports programs. The university offers over 125 majors across various fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, and professional studies.
UCLA Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at UCLA for in-state students is around $35,791 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $64,612 per year. These costs include tuition, fees, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
UCLA Admissions
UCLA has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 14.3%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1290-1510 and an ACT score between 30-34.
UCLA Degrees Offered
UCLA offers over 125 undergraduate majors, 150 graduate programs, and has a strong focus on research opportunities for its students. Some of the most popular majors at UCLA include Business, Biology, Political Science, and Psychology.
UCLA Academics
The university is renowned for its strong academics, with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. UCLA’s faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. The university also has a strong commitment to research, with over $1 billion in research funding annually.
UCLA Diversity
UCLA has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries and a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Approximately 42% of UCLA students identify as an underrepresented minority, and the university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
UCLA Students
There are over 45,000 students at UCLA, including 31,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students. UCLA students are known for their passion for academics, involvement in extracurricular activities, and competitive spirit in athletics.
UCLA Campus
The UCLA campus spans 419 acres in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, with over 170 buildings and numerous green spaces. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, fitness centers, and cultural centers, as well as a range of on-campus housing options.
UCLA Alumni
Notable UCLA alumni include actors, politicians, business leaders, athletes, and scientists. Some famous UCLA graduates include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jackie Robinson, Troy Aikman, and John Wooden.
UCLA Rankings
UCLA consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UCLA is ranked #20 among national universities and #1 among public universities.
UCLA Outcomes
UCLA graduates have a high level of success in various fields, with a post-graduation employment rate of 91%. The average starting salary for UCLA graduates is around $62,599.
Penn State Overview
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) was founded in 1855 and is a public, land-grant research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State is known for its large and vibrant student body, strong academics, and passionate sports culture. The university offers over 275 majors across 16 colleges with a focus on research and experiential learning opportunities.
Penn State Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Penn State for in-state students is around $36,974 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $53,994 per year. These costs include tuition, fees, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Penn State Admissions
Penn State has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 49%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1160-1370 and an ACT score between 25-30.
Penn State Degrees Offered
Penn State offers over 275 undergraduate majors and 180 graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, business, liberal arts, and sciences. Some of the most popular majors at Penn State include Business, Engineering, Communications, and Health Professions.
Penn State Academics
The university has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 and is committed to providing a high-quality education with a focus on research and experiential learning opportunities. Penn State’s faculty includes renowned scholars, researchers, and professionals in their respective fields.
Penn State Diversity
Penn State is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 21% of Penn State students identify as an underrepresented minority.
Penn State Students
There are over 90,000 students at Penn State, including 76,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate students. Penn State students are known for their active involvement in campus life, including athletics, clubs, and community service.
Penn State Campus
The Penn State campus is situated on over 8,500 acres in central Pennsylvania, with more than 1,000 buildings and a range of on-campus housing options. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, recreation centers, and cultural centers.
Penn State Alumni
Notable Penn State alumni include business leaders, politicians, athletes, and entertainers. Some famous Penn State graduates include Keegan-Michael Key, Ty Burrell, and Franco Harris.
Penn State Rankings
Penn State is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State is ranked #63 among national universities and #23 among public universities.
Penn State Outcomes
Penn State graduates have a high level of success in various fields, with a post-graduation employment rate of 85%. The average starting salary for Penn State graduates is around $55,200.
UCLA vs Penn State Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition of UCLA and Penn State, there are some key differences to consider. For in-state students, the estimated cost of attendance at UCLA is slightly lower than Penn State, at $35,791 per year compared to $36,974 per year. However, for out-of-state students, the cost of attending UCLA is significantly higher, at $64,612 per year compared to $53,994 per year at Penn State.
UCLA vs Penn State Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both UCLA and Penn State is competitive, but UCLA has a lower acceptance rate of 14.3% compared to Penn State’s 49%. Additionally, the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at UCLA are higher than those at Penn State, indicating a more challenging admission process for UCLA applicants.
UCLA vs Penn State Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer rigorous academic programs and are renowned for their commitment to research and academic excellence. However, UCLA has a slightly better student-faculty ratio of 18:1 compared to Penn State’s 15:1, which may indicate a more personalized learning experience at UCLA. Additionally, UCLA consistently ranks higher in national and public university rankings, suggesting a higher overall academic reputation.
UCLA vs Penn State Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both UCLA and Penn State have high levels of success in their respective fields. However, UCLA graduates have a slightly higher post-graduation employment rate of 91% compared to Penn State’s 85%. Additionally, the average starting salary for UCLA graduates is higher, at $62,599, compared to $55,200 for Penn State graduates.
