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College comparison
United States Air Force Academy 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 |  United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective | 14% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1230–1440 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,114 | 33,475 |
| Avg net price | — | $12,548 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | — | $82,511 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 93% |
| Median debt | — | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | — | 5.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | USAF Academy, CO |
United States Air Force Academy vs UCLA: how they compare
Choosing between USAFA and UCLA means choosing between a structured, values-driven military education and a dynamic, high-achieving public research university.
By the numbers UCLA is more selective, with a 9% acceptance rate versus USAFA's 14%, and its admission process is more volatile (64% volatility vs. 37%). UCLA also boasts a higher graduation rate (93% vs. 88%). For financial value, UCLA's average net price is $13k, and its return-on-investment metric is strong, with a 6.6× earnings multiple and a 10-year median earnings figure of $83k. USAFA, while tuition-free with a service commitment, does not have comparable earnings data in this set.
Where they overlap Both are elite, highly selective public institutions that attract top-tier students seeking a rigorous academic environment and a strong sense of community.
How they differ The core experience is fundamentally opposite. USAFA is a disciplined, all-encompassing military academy. Life is highly structured, starting early with formations, built around squadron living, mandatory activities, and cadet training, forging intense camaraderie through shared challenge. UCLA offers a classic, vibrant city-campus experience in Los Angeles, known for a diverse social scene and academic freedom within a large research university framework.
Who each suits USAFA is for the student who thrives on structured challenge, seeks a tight-knit community built on core values, and is committed to a career of service. UCLA is for the independent, ambitious student who wants world-class academics coupled with the social, cultural, and professional opportunities of a major global city, valuing flexibility and self-direction.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is United States Air Force Academy or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?
- University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: United States Air Force Academy's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and University of California-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for United States Air Force Academy vs University of California-Los Angeles?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1230–1440 at United States Air Force Academy 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.