Is Harvard or UCLA more affordable for an out-of-state student after financial aid?

For an out-of-state student with demonstrated financial need, Harvard will very often be substantially more affordable than UCLA after aid.

UCLA’s nonresident cost is much higher than its California-resident cost because of the nonresident supplemental tuition charge. Out-of-state students can receive federal aid and may earn scholarships, but they are not eligible for the same broad California-funded need-based assistance available to residents. In practice, UCLA need-based aid often does not eliminate the full nonresident surcharge.

Harvard is especially financially favorable for students from low- and middle-income families, including families whose income might look too high for federal Pell Grant aid but still qualifies for substantial institutional assistance.

UCLA may come closer only when a student has limited demonstrated need, receives a significant UCLA scholarship, or can establish California residency for tuition purposes under the UC’s rules, which is not something students should assume will happen after enrolling. Compare each school’s official net price calculator using the same family financial information, but for a need-eligible nonresident, Harvard is the school more likely to produce the lower actual cost.