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College comparison
United States Naval 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 Naval Academy Annapolis, MD |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective | 9% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1210–1410 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,474 | 33,475 |
| Avg net price | — | $12,548 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | — | $82,511 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 93% |
| Median debt | — | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | — | 5.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Annapolis, MD |
United States Naval Academy vs UCLA: how they compare
Two elite public institutions offering a fundamentally different college experience and return on investment.
By the numbers Both schools share a highly selective 9% acceptance rate and a strong 93% graduation rate. However, their value propositions and outcomes diverge sharply. UCLA demonstrates exceptional financial value and economic mobility, with an average net price of $13k and a value multiplier of 6.6x (earnings per dollar of net price), leading to 10-year median earnings of $83k and an economic mobility rate of 560%. The Naval Academy, with its fully-funded education including tuition, room, and board, presents a different high-value path of service with no direct financial cost to the student. UCLA's admissions process is notably more volatile, with an admit-rate volatility of 64% compared to the Naval Academy's 26%.
Where they overlap Both are prestigious public institutions that attract high-achieving students and produce graduates with strong outcomes, albeit in vastly different fields.
How they differ The experiences are distinct. The Naval Academy is a disciplined, structured military environment in a suburban setting, with a mission to develop naval officers. Student life is regimented, with a focus on leadership, physical training, and service. UCLA offers a large-university experience in Los Angeles, characterized by personal freedom, opportunities for external internships, and a diverse array of academic and social pursuits.
Who each suits The Naval Academy suits a student dedicated to a career of military service, who thrives under structure and seeks a leadership-focused education with a defined career path post-graduation. UCLA is a match for a student seeking academic and personal autonomy within an urban setting, who values financial return and economic mobility, and wants to explore diverse career pathways through internships and a large university network.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is United States Naval Academy or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?
- University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: United States Naval Academy'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 United States Naval Academy vs University of California-Los Angeles?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1210–1410 at United States Naval 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.