Skip to content

University of California-Los Angeles vs Ashford University

University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA, and Ashford University is a private for-profit university in San Diego, CA. University of California-Los Angeles is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 100% at Ashford University. University of California-Los Angeles is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,548 a year against $31,266 at Ashford University. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Los Angeles, compared with 10% at Ashford University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn a median of about $82,511, against $35,404 for Ashford University.

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,475
20,152
Acceptance rate
9%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1300–1530
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
29–35
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,548
$31,266
Full cost / yr
$38,614
$37,594
In-state tuition
$15,203
$11,960
Out-of-state tuition
$49,403
$11,960
Application fee
$80
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,579
$31,009
$30k - $48k
$6,682
$31,862
$48k - $75k
$9,811
$33,319
$75k - $110k
$14,142
$32,953
Over $110k
$29,682
$33,593
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
10%
Freshman retention
97%
35%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$59,063
$33,397
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,511
$35,404
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$31,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
32%
First-generation students
38%
54%
International students
8%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 100% at Ashford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University?
University of California-Los Angeles is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,548 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,266 at Ashford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of California-Los Angeles and Ashford University?
Before aid, Ashford University costs about $37,594 a year and University of California-Los Angeles about $38,614. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University?
University of California-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,579 there, against about $31,009 at Ashford University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University?
University of California-Los Angeles is the larger of the two, with about 33,475 undergraduates against 20,152 at Ashford University.
Does University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 10% at Ashford University.
Do graduates of University of California-Los Angeles or Ashford University earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,404 for Ashford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Los Angeles and Ashford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Los Angeles is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Ashford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school