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College comparison
UCLA vs Michigan
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 |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |  Michigan Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective | 9% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1360–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 33,475 | 34,177 |
| Avg net price | $12,548 | $13,138 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Michigan reports higher median earnings | $82,511 | $83,648 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 93% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 5.6% | 1.5% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
UCLA vs Michigan: how they compare
UCLA and Michigan are both prominent public universities with similar financial outcomes, but they differ in student experience and economic mobility.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are close on core value and cost. Both report an identical average net price of $13k and near-identical 10-year median earnings (UCLA: $83k; Michigan: $84k), resulting in similar value multiples (UCLA: 6.6×; Michigan: 6.4×). However, UCLA's economic-mobility rate of 560% is higher than Michigan's 151%, indicating a greater concentration of students from lower-income backgrounds who achieve higher earnings. Michigan has a higher acceptance rate (16% vs. UCLA's 9%) and shows slightly less year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (54% volatility vs. 64%). Both share a 93% graduation rate and a city setting.
Where they overlap Both are large, research-intensive public universities offering broad academic programs, well-regarded faculty, and strong recognition within their regions and industries. They provide a large-university experience with extensive resources, many student organizations, and notable school spirit.
How they differ The cultures and locations are distinct. Michigan offers a classic Big Ten experience centered on school spirit, a large alumni network, and a college-town atmosphere in Ann Arbor. UCLA provides a vibrant campus with access to Los Angeles’s industries, along with a sunny climate.
Who each suits Michigan suits a student seeking a traditional campus community within a college town. UCLA is a fit for a student drawn to Southern California, who values its economic mobility profile and wants industry access alongside a strong education.
Quick answers
- Is University of California-Los Angeles or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor harder to get into?
- University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: University of California-Los Angeles's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at University of California-Los Angeles and 1360–1530 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. 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.