University of California-Los Angeles — Los Angeles, CA

Geography and Cartography

at University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $36,662/yr starting out — that's 22% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 8.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $12,548/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $55,294 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$38,614/yr

Starting Salary

$36,662

Finish Rate

92.6%

$38,614/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $12,548/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $26,066/yr)

4 Years Total

$154,456

Typical Debt

$14,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,102

What You'd Really Pay

$55,294

That's about $159/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$366,620

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$55,294

Pays for Itself In

8.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+22%

Ahead After 10 Years

$311,326

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed16.3/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost3/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.