College comparison

Cornell 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	Cornell Ithaca, NY	UCLA Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateCornell University is more selective	9%	9%
SAT (25–75)	1500–1570	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	15,995	33,475
Avg net price	$28,690	$12,548
Median earnings (10 yr)Cornell reports higher median earnings	$104,043	$82,511
Graduation rate	95%	93%
Median debt	$14,000	$14,000
Economic mobility	2.9%	5.6%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Public

Quick answers

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

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

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

The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell 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.