UCLA Graduate Salary Statistics: A Comprehensive Overview
Understanding the earning potential of graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is crucial for prospective students, current undergraduates, and alumni alike. This article provides a detailed analysis of UCLA graduate salary statistics, drawing upon available data to offer a comprehensive overview of post-graduation earnings and career outcomes.
UCLA: A Top-Ranked Public University
Founded in 1919, UCLA stands as a leading public institution, consistently recognized for its academic excellence. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCLA No. 17 in National Universities and No. 2 in Top Public Schools. The university boasts a large undergraduate enrollment of 33,471 students (fall 2024) and operates on a 419-acre campus. With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, UCLA provides a diverse and engaging learning environment. UCLA has a test-blind admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $14,824; out-of-state tuition and fees are $48,674. Forty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $15,637. The four-year graduation rate is 85%.
First Destination Survey (FDS): A Key Data Source
A primary source of information regarding UCLA graduates' career paths and salaries is the First Destination Survey (FDS). Administered annually, the FDS gathers data on employment, continuing education, and graduates' perceptions of their job placement and preparedness for life after graduation. The FDS provides reliable data which can be used to accurately inform and shape career expectations of current undergraduates, new alumni, and prospective students. The data presented in this article is partly derived from the FDS administered to undergraduate students graduating between Summer 2016 and Spring 2019. UCLA obtained a total of 8413 responses from undergraduate graduating students, representing a survey response rate of approximately 33 percent of the total graduating class.
Overall Salary Statistics
Six years after graduation, the median salary for UCLA graduates is $59,063. However, it's important to consider various factors that influence earning potential, such as major, industry, and years of experience. Six years after enrolling, alumni who are working have average earnings of $49,600 per year.
Salary Data Considerations
It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and nuances of salary data. First-year earnings data are aggregated by the US Department of Education and analyzes IRS reported income for University of California Los Angeles graduates who received federal financial aid in the form of grants or loans. Not all graduates or fields of study are represented as data for some degree programs are omitted for privacy purposes. Furthermore, salary data are not published when there are less than five salaries reported, ensuring privacy and statistical validity. Employment and salary information is taken from a variety of sources including student self-reporting, alumni surveys, employer information, published salary data and electronic resources. All salary statistics are based on full-time, long-term positions only.
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
Resources for Career Development
UCLA is committed to supporting its graduates in their career pursuits. UCLA Law's Office of Career Services and Office of Public Interest Programs work hard to ensure that graduates gain a solid foothold in the job market. From On-Campus Interviews to career fairs to special panels with alumni on topics such as working on the East Coast or careers in national security, the school provides many opportunities for graduates to launch their careers successfully.
Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA
Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors
tags: #ucla #graduate #salary #statistics
