

University of California-Irvine
About University of California-Irvine
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, California, in Orange County. It offers strong programs in computer science, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. UCI was one of the first campuses to establish a dedicated esports program.
Founded
1965
Location
Irvine, California
Students
37,290
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
28.6%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
86.9%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$15,722
Out-of-state: $49,922
Avg Net Price
$14,251
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$80,735
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
About 3 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
University of California-Irvine is moderately selective at 28.6%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.1%
4-Year Grad
68%
6-Year Grad
84%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
83.2%
$/Student
$29.9K
Class Size
Medium
68% of students graduate on time, and 83.2% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,722
In-State
$49,922
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,991
Books & Supplies
$1,473
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,632
After Financial Aid
$14,251
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,123
Receive Grants
36.1%
Take Loans
20.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $38,632/yr for in-state students, including $18,991 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,251. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $49,922.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of California-Irvine fund their education.
While in School
36.1%
Get Grants
Free money
20.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$34,735
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 20.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of California-Irvine.
Gender
56.1%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
30,197
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,093
Graduates
44%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 44% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 12.3% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
30,197
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Orange County location with great weather
- +Modern, well-planned campus facilities
- +Strong STEM research opportunities
- +Near beaches and outdoor recreation
Cons
- -Irvine can feel suburban and sterile
- -Car is helpful for getting around Orange County
- -Campus social life is quieter than other UCs
- -Limited walkable dining and entertainment nearby
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Irvine fields 10 varsity teams with 432 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
432
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
190
Men
242
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of California-Irvineearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$80,735
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$25K
766 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$30K
633 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Managerial Economics
$44K
576 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$82K
467 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminology
$35K
465 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$27K
457 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $56K six years out, climb to $54K by year eight, and reach $81K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Irvine
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Irvine?▾
How much does University of California-Irvine cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Irvine?▾
How much do University of California-Irvine graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.