Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Stanford University vs UCLA

Stanford, CA · Los Angeles, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Stanford UniversityUCLA
Acceptance Rate3.9%8.7%
In-State Tuition$62,484$13,747
Out-of-State Tuition$62,484$44,524
Average Net Price$3,796$15,166
Graduation Rate93.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

Stanford University accepts 3.9% of applicants. UCLA accepts 8.7%. Stanford University's tuition is $62,484. UCLA's is $13,747. That's a $48,737 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Stanford University, 93% at UCLA.

Bottom Line

UCLA is public; Stanford University is private. If you're an in-state student, UCLA will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Stanford University profileUCLA profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Stanford University or UCLA?

Stanford University. It accepts 3.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Stanford University or UCLA more affordable?

UCLA has lower published tuition: $13,747 versus $62,484. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Stanford University is at 93%; UCLA is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Stanford University vs UCLA: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax