College comparison

Stanford 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	Stanford Stanford, CA	UCLA Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective	4%	9%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1580	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,554	33,475
Avg net price	$13,807	$12,548
Median earnings (10 yr)Stanford reports higher median earnings	$124,080	$82,511
Graduation rate	92%	93%
Median debt	$12,000	$14,000
Economic mobility	2.2%	5.6%
Test policy	test-required	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Public

Quick answers

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

Stanford University is more selective: Stanford University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and University of California-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).

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

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.