Northwestern University vs University of California-Los Angeles
Northwestern University is extremely selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of California-Los Angeles (8.7%). Graduates of Northwestern University earn $6,852 more per year at the 10-year mark ($89,363 vs $82,511). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northwestern University is more affordable at $7,898 net price vs $9,811.
Admissions & Outcomes
Northwestern University has a higher yield rate (57.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Evanston, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Northwestern University is more affordable at $1,764 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,777 vs $29,682.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of California-Los Angeles enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (27%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Northwestern University
- 1 Computer Science$98,403
- 2 Computer Engineering$85,918
- 3 Information Science/Studies$83,546
- 4 Industrial Engineering$79,849
- 5 Chemical Engineering$79,688
University of California-Los Angeles
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$110,878
- 2 Computer Engineering$97,071
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$90,678
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$83,915
- 5 Civil Engineering$68,592
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Northwestern University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
University of California-Los Angeles
- 1 Economics
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Northwestern University
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$56,286
- Est. total cost/year$74,356
- School typePublic
University of California-Los Angeles
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$41,196
- Est. total cost/year$60,602
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 21% international enrollment, Northwestern University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Northwestern University is more selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, compared to 8.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northwestern University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Northwestern University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $89,363 compared to $82,511. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northwestern University or University of California-Los Angeles?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northwestern University has a lower net price at $7,898 per year vs $9,811. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University vs University of California-Los Angeles?
Northwestern University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.5%, compared to 92.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Northwestern University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Northwestern University has a larger international student population at 21% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Northwestern University and University of California-Los Angeles?
At Northwestern University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $98,403 within two years. At University of California-Los Angeles, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $110,878. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.