HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

Mcgill University vs University of California, Los Angeles

Mcgill University Logo
Mcgill University

Montreal, Canada

QS World: #3038% Admit
University of California, Los Angeles Logo
University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: #499% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

McGill offers rigorous, research-intensive education with a European intellectual sensibility in Canada, often dubbed a 'public Ivy'. UCLA provides a dynamic American university experience, celebrated for its vibrant campus life, diverse academics, and unparalleled location in a global cultural hub. Both are world-class institutions, but offer distinct cultural and academic environments.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For deep, research-focused study, McGill’s Mechanical Engineering program excels. Conversely, UCLA’s Film, Television, and Digital Media major leverages its Hollywood location for industry-leading practical and creative education, providing unparalleled real-world opportunities in the entertainment sector.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose McGill if you prioritize an academically intense, independent learning environment with an international perspective. Choose UCLA if you seek a spirited university experience integrated with leading US industries and a strong network.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 5 Advantage
Comparative DimensionMcgill UniversityUniversity of California, Los Angeles
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#30 (2027)+19 places
#49 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#43 (2027)
#20 (2027)+23 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#73 (2026)
#14 (2026)+59 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#68 (2027)
#11 (2027)+57 places
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
38%
9%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$40,000Lower tuition
$46,296
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1821Lead
1919
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
39,513
46,430
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
89 / 100
90 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Mcgill University: 1 leads·California, Los Angeles: 1 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)Mcgill UniversityCalifornia, Los Angeles
Anatomy and Physiology#5#6
Psychology#22#11

Mcgill University · Specialist Subject Standings

Mineral and Mining Engineering#2
Library and Information Management#11
Music#13

California, Los Angeles · Specialist Subject Standings

Anthropology#7
English Language and Literature#9
Modern Languages#9
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Montreal vs Los Angeles alongside annual international tuition.

Upper-Moderate Index

Mcgill University (Montreal)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$40,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$65,680/yr
Major Urban Hub

California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$46,296/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$79,656/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

Calculate Your Admission Odds & Export a Printable Comparison Dossier

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