College comparison

BU vs UCLA

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	BU Boston, MA	UCLA Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective	11%	9%
SAT (25–75)	1420–1530	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	18,248	33,475
Avg net price	$24,402	$12,548
Median earnings (10 yr)BU reports higher median earnings	$83,238	$82,511
Graduation rate	89%	93%
Median debt	$23,250	$14,000
Economic mobility	2.0%	5.6%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Public

Quick answers

Is Boston University or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?

University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: Boston University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of California-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Boston University vs University of California-Los Angeles?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Boston University and — at University of California-Los Angeles. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.