Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Stanford University vs UCLA

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

Stanford UniversityUCLA
Acceptance Rate3.6%9.0%
In-State Tuition$65,910$15,203
Out-of-State Tuition$65,910$49,403
Average Net Price$25,078$14,512
Graduation Rate92.0%93.0%
Total Enrollment18,62547,335
Student-Faculty Ratio620

GradFax Analysis

Stanford University accepts 3.6% of applicants. UCLA accepts 9.0%. Stanford University's tuition is $65,910. UCLA's is $15,203. That's a $50,707 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 92% 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.

After aid, the average student pays $25,078/year at Stanford University and $14,512/year at UCLA. UCLA is cheaper for most people.

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 3.6% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Stanford University or UCLA more affordable?

UCLA, on average. After aid, students pay $14,512/year versus $25,078/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Stanford University is at 92%; 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.