UCLA is the N0. 1 public university eight consecutive years

Every year since 2018, the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings has ranked UCLA the top public university in the nation. In 2018 UCLA tied with Cal for 1st, but has since pushed clear every year, solidifying its position on top.

UCLA is also No. 1 in the Niche 2025 ranking of public universities. The University of California system excelled in the rankings, which were announced today, placing six campuses in the top 25: UC Berkeley (No. 7), UC Irvine (No. 12), UC Davis (No. 17), UC San Diego (No. 18), and UC Santa Barbara (No. 22).

UCLA consistently performs well in multiple rankings that use a wide range of criteria. In any ranking of public universities for 2025, UCLA is always found in the top two spots.

High School Athletes

UCLA Crew is a great way to continue your competitive rowing career at the collegiate level. Ideal candidates will have the desire and work ethic to be a positive contributor to our competitive program.

All incoming freshman with experience will train with the varsity squad in the fall. We still believe in the team building benefits of the Freshman class, so the focus will be on creating competitive Freshman crews. Athletes who demonstrate they can make our Varsity Eight faster will have the opportunity to compete for sets in that boat.

College transfers

In December 2018 UCLA was again ranked as the #1 college for Transfer Students in the country. We encourage junior college athletes to consider UCLA as a great way of continuing their academic and athletic careers.

Junior college athletes interested in transferring to UCLA must submit the UC Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships and meet the requirements of the UCLA transfer system. Every year we take some transfer students as Walk On athletes, so no rowing experience in needed is you are motivated to work hard, and compete for UCLA.

For assistance in becoming a successful transfer choosing the right major is important. For options and information on admit rates for different majors use this website.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major

Walk-Ons

We are looking for tall men 6'0" (and taller) who want to compete for UCLA, and also small athletes (under 125 pounds) to be coxswains for our crews.

• No Experience Necessary, We Will Teach You How to Row

• Academically Focused

• Dedicated Athletes

Every year we welcome many UCLA undergraduates that are interested in the intercollegiate sport of rowing, but have no prior experience. Individuals who make the team will compete in the Pac-12 Rowing Championships, and may even represent UCLA at the collegiate national championships. In the long history of the program, many Bruins, several of whom learned to row in college, have gone on to represent their country with the U.S. Olympic or National Team. Most recently, UCLA Walk On athlete Will Young competed at the 2017 World Rowing Championships.