<p>Debating whether Michigan has more international prestige or a stronger global alumni network than UCLA or vice versa is pointless. There is no way of accurately measuring prestige or alumni networks. Both universities enjoy strong international reputations to be sure. Every single international ranking I have see (Times, ARWU, USNWR, Newsweek and QS) ranks Michigan and UCLA among the top 15 US univesities.</p>
<p>Instead of trying to determine which school is more globably recognized, I think the OP would be better served considering more tangible ciretia. There are tangible factors to consider, such as student demographics. UCLA students tend to be far more racially and socioeconomically diverse while at the same time far less geographically diverse than Michigan students. For instance, 30% of UCLA students are white, while 40% are Asian and 20% are Hispanic. At Michigan, 70% are while while only 15% are Asian and 5% Hispanic At UCLA, over 30% come from low income families while very few come from high income families. At Michigan, onl 10% of students come from low income families whole ~50% come from high income families. At UCLA, 90% of undergrads are residents of CA, while at the University of Michigan, 60% are Michigan residents. Those are all tangible factors to consider. </p>
<p>Another factor to consider is institutional resources. Michigan’s endowment is significantly larger than UCLA’s (three times larger I believe) and generates significantly more revenue from tuition (thanks to its far larger OOS student population) than UCLA.</p>
<p>Finally, visiting the campuses to get a feel for the enviornment (on and off campus) is also important. UCLA and Michigan have significantly difference campus atmospheres and surounding areas. Again, some will claim that Michigan is better while others will say UCLA is better in this regard. Just as prestige and alumni networks, the concept of environment and surounding area is subject to perception and preference.</p>