Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a student can make. Two popular options in Southern California are Chapman University and the University of California, Los Angeles. While both schools offer strong academic programs and very nice campuses, they offer very different experiences.

 The biggest differences between the two are size and difficulty to get into. UCLA is in the City of Los Angeles and is home to around 46,000 students, while Chapman is in Orange County, and only has around 10,000 students. Moreover, UCLA has a harder acceptance rate, at only 8-9%, making it more difficult to get into. Chapman’s acceptance rate on the other hand is more open, at 55%. 

Chapman, being the smaller school, allows for closer learning with a smaller student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, providing a closer relationship to professors and teachers, in comparison to UCLA’s 19:1 ratio. Pricing can vary with scholarships, but UCLA is cheaper, with in-state tuition being $11,000, while Chapman, a private university, is around $60,000. 

Campus life is a big factor for college students deciding where to go. Since UCLA is in the heart of  Los Angeles, there is significantly more city life. The location better fosters internships, nightlife activities, and a diverse range of things to do. Chapman, in Orange County, is calmer, close to the beach, and away from the center of the city.

Both Chapman University and UCLA offer excellent educational opportunities, but they have different college lifestyles. UCLA stands out for its prestige, affordability, and wide range of opportunities in the city. Chapman offers a more personalized college experience in a quieter setting. Ultimately, the choice depends on a student’s preference when picking schools.

While every person will have their own preferences, I personally think that UCLA shines brighter as a big university, opportunity, and ability to set you up after college.