University of California-Riverside
About University of California-Riverside
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Riverside is a public research university in Riverside, California, in the Inland Empire. It is one of the most diverse campuses in the UC system and offers strong programs in agriculture, entomology, business, and engineering.
Founded
1954
Location
Riverside, California
Students
26,377
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
76.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
76%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$15,606
Out-of-state: $49,806
Avg Net Price
$14,304
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$67,699
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
University of California-Riverside accepts the majority of applicants at 76.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
76% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87.6%
4-Year Grad
61%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
24:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
89.5%
$/Student
$16.2K
Class Size
Large
While 61% finish in 4 years, 87.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,606
In-State
$49,806
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,691
Books & Supplies
$1,576
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,942
After Financial Aid
$14,304
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,852
Receive Grants
47%
Take Loans
31%
The full cost of attendance is about $38,942/yr for in-state students, including $20,691 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,304. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $49,806.
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-Riverside fund their education.
While in School
47%
Get Grants
Free money
31%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,809
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$186/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,500. 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-Riverside.
Gender
52.6%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
22,593
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,784
Graduates
48.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 48.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
22,593
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
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Most diverse UC campus
- +Affordable compared to coastal UC schools
- +Growing research profile in agriculture and biotech
- +Inland Empire location is close to LA and mountains
Cons
- -Inland Empire heat can be extreme in summer
- -Less prestige perception than coastal UC schools
- -Riverside has fewer cultural amenities than LA
- -Commuter school feel at times
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Riverside fields 8 varsity teams with 394 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
394
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
46% / 54%
180
Men
214
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
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-Riversideearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$67,699
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$43K
836 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$27K
705 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$26K
597 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$29K
325 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$81K
310 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$37K
299 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $49K at six years, $45K at eight, and $68K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Riverside
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Riverside?▾
How much does University of California-Riverside cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Riverside?▾
How much do University of California-Riverside 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.