UCLA: World-Renowned Public Research University in Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a globally acclaimed public research university and a key institution within the University of California system. Established in 1919 from a teachers’ college, UCLA has evolved into a leading center of innovation, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.

With a rich history marked by milestones such as the first ARPANET node and major medical advances, UCLA boasts a diverse student body of over 46,000, a scenic Westwood campus, and extensive academic offerings across more than 250 programs.

It is renowned for its groundbreaking research, receiving over $1 billion annually in funding, and is home to distinguished faculty and alumni including Nobel laureates, athletes, artists, and public figures. The university fosters an inclusive, vibrant campus life through extensive student services and organizations, affirming its role as a hub of academic excellence, cultural influence, and societal impact.

UCLA: Rankings, Admissions, Courses, Campus, Fees & Student Life

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a world-renowned public land-grant research university, a cornerstone of the prestigious University of California system. Founded in 1919, it has grown from a teachers’ college into a global academic powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide.

History and Evolution

UCLA’s roots trace back to the Los Angeles Branch State Normal School, established in 1882 to train educators. In 1919, it officially became the Southern Branch of the University of California, initially offering two-year degree courses in letters and science. The university expanded rapidly, gaining the ability to award master’s degrees in 1933 and doctoral degrees in 1936. In 1958, it officially adopted its current name, the University of California, Los Angeles.

Throughout its history, UCLA has been a hub of innovation and social change. Milestones include performing the first open-heart surgery in the western US in the 1950s, winning numerous NCAA men’s basketball championships, and becoming the first ARPANET node, a crucial step in the birth of the internet. The university celebrated its centennial in 2019-2020, having raised $5.49 billion for student scholarships, faculty support, research, and campus facilities.

Campus and Student Body

Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA boasts a unique and beautiful 419-acre campus in Westwood. As of Fall 2023, the total student enrollment stands at 46,676, comprising 33,040 undergraduate students and 13,636 graduate students. International students make up a significant portion, with 5,247 students from 106 countries as of Fall 2023, and 6,347 international students representing 107 nationalities in Fall 2024.

The campus offers a comprehensive array of facilities, including on-campus housing, diverse dining options, numerous sports clubs, fitness and recreation centers, health services, and a vast library system with over 12 million books, one of the largest in the nation.

Academics and Research

UCLA offers a vast array of academic programs, with over 250 world-class courses across leading disciplines such as Arts & Humanities, Business, Economics, Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology. The university is organized into several colleges and professional schools, including:

• The College of Letters and Science: Home to over three-quarters of UCLA’s undergraduates, with divisions in Humanities, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Undergraduate Education.
• Professional Schools: Including the Herb Alpert School of Music (the 12th professional school and first independent music school in the UC system), Schools of Arts and Architecture, Dentistry, Education and Information Studies, Engineering and Applied Science, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, Public Affairs, Public Health, and Theater, Film, and Television.

UCLA is a global leader in research and creative activities, annually receiving an average of over $1 billion in research funding since 2009-10. Its research has led to transformative breakthroughs, from revolutionizing medical diagnostics and treatment to laying the groundwork for the internet. Key research areas and programs include:

• UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center: With six research programs focused on interdisciplinary and collaborative cancer research, spanning areas like Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Cancer Control and Survivorship, and Tumor Immunology & Immunotherapy.
• Numerous Institutes and Centers: Such as the Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, California Center for Population Research, Center for Economic History, California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI), and the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM).

The faculty at UCLA includes Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and National Medal of Science recipients. As of March 2024, 16 Nobel laureates, 11 Rhodes scholars, two Turing Award winners, and many other distinguished individuals have been affiliated with UCLA as faculty, researchers, and alumni.

Rankings and Reputation

UCLA consistently ranks among the top universities globally by various prestigious ranking bodies:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: #42 globally, with strong subject rankings, including #7 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024: #18 globally.
• U.S. News & World Report – Best Global Universities 2024: #11 globally.
• Shiksha Popularity Rankings: #18 in the world and #13 in the USA.
• QS Graduate Employability Rankings: Ranks highly, indicating strong employability for its graduates.

Campus Life and Student Support

UCLA’s Campus Life division, part of Student Affairs, is dedicated to promoting student engagement and development. It fosters a vibrant community through various programs and services:

• Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE): Advises over 1,400 student organizations, empowering student-led development and service.
• Community Programs Office (CPO): Serves as UCLA’s cross-cultural center, fostering an inclusive and diverse community through student-run outreach and service programs.
• Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL): Supports the growth and development of students through their involvement in the fraternity and sorority community.
• LGBTQ Campus Resource Center: Provides support, community-building events, resources, and advocacy for students and employees of all genders and sexual orientations.
• UCLA Recreation (Rec): Offers high-quality recreational and learning experiences for the UCLA community.
• Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC): Provides personalized support, mentoring, and guidance for military-connected students.

UCLA also emphasizes health and well-being through Student Health Education & Promotion (SHEP) and offers commuter support programs to ensure all students, regardless of their commuting distance, have access to resources.

Notable Alumni

UCLA has produced an impressive list of influential alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, including:

• Sports: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (basketball), Jackie Robinson (baseball), Troy Aikman (football), Bill Walton (basketball), Arthur Ashe (tennis), Ronda Rousey (MMA), Florence Griffith Joyner (track and field).
• Entertainment: Carol Burnett (actress/comedian), Francis Ford Coppola (director), James Dean (actor), Ben Stiller (actor/filmmaker), Jack Nicholson (actor), Tim Robbins (actor/director), Mayim Bialik (actress), John Williams (composer), Randy Newman (musician), Sara Bareilles (musician), Mila Kunis (actress), Helen Hunt (actress), James Franco (actor), Barbra Streisand (actress/singer), Meryl Streep (actress).
• Politics and Public Service: Ralph Bunche (Nobel Peace Prize laureate, diplomat), Zoe Lofgren (U.S. Representative), Henry Waxman (former U.S. Representative).
• Business: Robert Haas (former CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.), Brian Cornell (CEO of Target Corporation).

UCLA’s commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, vibrant campus life, and a legacy of impactful alumni solidifies its position as a leading global institution.

FAQs about UCLA

What is UCLA known for?
UCLA is known for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, diverse academic programs, a vibrant campus life, and notable alumni in sports, entertainment, politics, and business.

When was UCLA founded?
UCLA was officially founded in 1919, evolving from the Los Angeles Branch State Normal School, which was established in 1882.

Where is UCLA located?
UCLA is located in Westwood, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

How large is the UCLA campus?
The UCLA campus spans 419 acres in Westwood, Los Angeles.

How many students attend UCLA?
As of Fall 2023, UCLA has 46,676 students, including 33,040 undergraduates and 13,636 graduate students.

How many international students are at UCLA?
There were 5,247 international students from 106 countries in Fall 2023 and 6,347 from 107 nationalities in Fall 2024.

What academic programs does UCLA offer?
UCLA offers over 250 academic programs across fields like Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, and more.

What is UCLA’s ranking globally?
UCLA ranks #42 in QS World University Rankings 2025, #18 in Times Higher Education 2024, and #11 in U.S. News Best Global Universities 2024.

What is the College of Letters and Science at UCLA?
It’s the largest academic unit at UCLA, home to over 75% of undergraduates, with divisions in Humanities, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Undergraduate Education.

What are UCLA’s professional schools?
UCLA has numerous professional schools including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Management, Nursing, Public Health, and the Herb Alpert School of Music, among others.

How much research funding does UCLA receive?
UCLA receives over $1 billion annually in research funding since the 2009–10 academic year.

What are some key research centers at UCLA?
Notable research centers include the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, California Nanosystems Institute, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics.

What are UCLA’s most notable research achievements?
UCLA helped develop the internet (ARPANET node), revolutionized medical diagnostics, and performed the first open-heart surgery in the western U.S.

Who are some famous UCLA alumni?
Notable alumni include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jackie Robinson, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, John Williams, Ben Stiller, and Ralph Bunche.

What sports is UCLA known for?
UCLA is especially known for its men’s basketball team, which has won numerous NCAA championships.

What student organizations are available at UCLA?
There are over 1,400 student organizations advised by the Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement (SOLE) office.

What resources does UCLA provide for LGBTQ+ students?
The LGBTQ Campus Resource Center offers community events, support services, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students and staff.

What support does UCLA offer to veterans?
The Veterans Resource Center provides personalized support, mentorship, and guidance for military-connected students.

What are UCLA’s housing and dining facilities like?
UCLA offers on-campus housing, diverse dining options, and comprehensive health and recreational facilities.

How many books does UCLA’s library system have?
UCLA’s library system holds over 12 million volumes, making it one of the largest in the U.S.

What kind of student support programs does UCLA have?
Programs include health and wellness services, commuter student resources, veteran support, recreational facilities, and outreach through the Community Programs Office.

What are UCLA’s most popular fields of study?
Popular areas include Engineering, Business, Medicine, Psychology, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences.

What is the role of the Community Programs Office (CPO)?
The CPO serves as a cross-cultural center promoting outreach, inclusion, and diversity through student-led programs.

How does UCLA support student recreation?
UCLA Recreation offers high-quality fitness and learning experiences, sports clubs, and wellness programs for students.

What awards and honors have UCLA faculty received?
UCLA faculty include 16 Nobel Laureates, 11 Rhodes Scholars, and 2 Turing Award winners.

How does UCLA rank in graduate employability?
UCLA ranks highly in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, reflecting strong career prospects for its graduates.

Does UCLA have a fraternity and sorority system?
Yes, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) supports student involvement and leadership development in the Greek system.

What was UCLA’s role in the development of the internet?
UCLA was the first ARPANET node, marking a crucial step in the creation of the internet.

How much did UCLA raise during its centennial campaign?
During its 2019–2020 centennial celebration, UCLA raised $5.49 billion for scholarships, faculty support, research, and campus development.

UCLA stands as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and social impact, with a legacy rooted in transformative education, pioneering research, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its world-class faculty, expansive academic offerings, vibrant campus life, and global reputation make it a leading destination for students and scholars seeking to shape the future. With a strong foundation and forward-looking vision, UCLA continues to inspire and empower generations to make meaningful contributions to society.