The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. From its world class faculty, dynamic academic programs, and cutting-edge research facilities to its vibrant campus life and illustrious alumni, UCLA has earned a reputation for overall excellence. UCLA is part of the University of California system, along with eight other public undergraduate colleges in the state (collectively known as the UCs). It is also one of 15 “Public Ivies”. These are public schools that offer an education that’s on par with Ivy League schools but at a public university cost of tuition.
With a long list of illustrious alumni and impressive accomplishments in academics, sports, and the arts, it’s difficult to name just one thing that UCLA is known for. A closer look at the various aspects of this university demonstrates all contributes to this public school’s esteemed reputation.
UCLA Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1919
- Overall Rank: #70
- Public School Rank: # 8
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Application Fee: $80
- Applications Received Annually: 145,900
- First Year Retention Rate: 97%
- Four Year Graduation Rate: 86%
Academics at UCLA
b r e n t via Wikimedia Commons
The University of California, Los Angeles offers students a choice of over 140 majors and 90 minors within 4 main academic divisions – Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Physical Sciences. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to challenge students to analyze issues, ask questions, and think and write critically as well as creatively. The curriculum makes accommodations for students who are not sure about their choice of major with its cross-disciplinary approach and 10-week quarter system that lets students sample various subjects and classes.
Classroom teaching is highly personalized with small class sizes. 2 out of 3 classes have less than 30 students. Every year, students can choose from around 200 seminars that allow them to explore a topic of interest in more depth. The small group settings of about 10-20 students in each group, encourages participants and mentors to engage in meaningful discussions on a variety of topics.
UCLA Professional Schools
Most of the 140 majors fall under the College of Letters and Science, but the campus also houses several globally renowned professional schools. These include:
- Samueli School of Engineering. Ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in the U.S., the Samueli School of Engineering offers undergrad students two types of programs. One that prepares students for immediate professional careers and a more advanced program.
- School of the Arts and Architecture. A highly ranked center for creative expression and research, this school offers Bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Studies, Art, Dance, Design/Media Arts, and World Arts & Cultures, among others. The curriculum combines a broad-based liberal education with practical training in visual and performing mediums.
- Luskin School of Public Affairs. The school offers multiple bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees within 3 departments – Public Policy, Urban Planning, and Social Welfare.
- Herb Alpert School of Music. Founded in 2016, this relatively new addition to UCLA is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top schools of music in the country. Herb Alpert School of Music offers students a variety of programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and jazz. Students get the opportunity to student with various music legends.
- School of Nursing. Ranked top 10 nationally, the School of Nursing has earned global recognition for faculty research and publications.
- School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT). This school offers students a unique curriculum that spans the ancient origins of theater and film to the latest technological advancements in stage, film, and television production. Actor James Franco, and actor and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik are just two of many famous TFT alumni.
- School of Education and Information Studies. Students enrolled in this school prepare for roles that advocate for positive change and social justice in education.
- Fielding School of Public Health. Ranked top 10 among schools of public health, the curriculum focuses on areas such as global health, healthcare management, population and reproductive health, and environmental health.
Undergraduate Research Center
UCLA is proud of the fact that its students can investigate anything whether they choose to work as part of a team or initiate their own research project. At any given time, there are 6,000 active research projects on campus. That’s 45% of undergraduate student working on faculty research!
UCLA receives about $1billion in research funding every year, which is spend on expanding research opportunities and workshops and awarding scholarships and grants.
Sports
Although academics and research take centerstage at UCLA, the university’s athletic programs are also impressive. With 123 NCAA team championships, UCLA is second only to Stanford University as the school with the most NCAA team championships.
The school offers a total of 25 NCAA Division I sports, with eleven varsity sports programs for men and fourteen for women. The athletic teams that represent this public school are collectively known as the UCLA Bruins. The university’s basketball team in particular is legendary having won 11 NCAA championships, the most of any school. NBA stars Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Walton, Russel Westbrook, and Reggie Miller are just four of many UCLA athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness in professional sports.
There are several club sports and intramural sports that students can participate in ranging from table tennis and rugby to Quidditch.
Events & Traditions
With over 1000 clubs and student organizations on campus, students can pursue their interests and passions. The Student Alumni Association, the most prominent of the campus clubs, still holds its traditional ‘Dinner for 12 Strangers’, more than fifty years after it was first started.
UCLA also hosts an annual multi-day student-run hackathon. More than a thousand hackers are recruited to create technology-oriented solutions to address a specific them. During this event, participants complete over 150 multi-faceted creative projects.
Volunteer Day is another annual tradition in which students participate in community service around the Los Angeles area.
Financial Aid
About 43% of UCLA students will receive institutional grant aid (on average about $11,285). To help students cover the cost of tuition, books, housing, and other necessities, students generally will get a combination of four types of aid:
- Scholarships. UCLA offers multiple scholarships that may be awarded based on academic merit, specific talents, background, professional interests, or need.
- Grants. UCLA offers multiple grants based on need. Some are available to all eligible students on submission of the FAFSA. Others are available only to students who are California residents on submission of the California Dream Act.
- Loans. Low-interest student loans are offered by the federal government on submission of the FAFSA.
- Part-Time Student Jobs. Qualified UCLA students may be awarded federal work-study. Work study can make it easier for program participants to find a part-time job on or off campus.
UCLA is known for its academic rigor, research innovations, athletic accomplishments, and cultural contributions. It’s clear to see why it is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.
Learn more about the admissions stats, costs, academics, majors, and campus life at University of California, Los Angeles.
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