University of California-Riverside
The Vibe Check
UC Riverside feels like a vibrant oasis where intellectual curiosity meets laid-back California cool. The campus is known for its lush, botanical gardens and a strong sense of community, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. It's a place where diverse students unite under a shared spirit of innovation and school pride.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UCR is a research powerhouse, particularly renowned in the biological sciences and home to one of the nation's top creative writing programs. The university offers robust research opportunities even for undergraduates through programs like UCR's Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. While large lecture classes exist, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and faculty engagement.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Riverside
Students enjoy Riverside's sunny climate by hiking the nearby Sycamore Canyon or exploring the historic Mission Inn downtown. The city offers a growing scene of coffee shops, breweries, and food halls, providing a more relaxed alternative to the hustle of Los Angeles. For weekend trips, the mountains for snow and beaches for sun are both about an hour away.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($67,699):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The UCR campus has its own comprehensive police department and is generally considered safe, though standard urban precautions are advised. The surrounding city of Riverside has typical urban crime rates, but the campus itself is well-patrolled and offers safety resources like evening escorts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-class research opportunities accessible to undergraduates.
- ✓ Highly affordable cost of attendance, especially for in-state students.
- ✓ Strong diversity and a uniquely supportive, collaborative campus culture.
- ✓ Prestigious reputation in specific fields like creative writing and entomology.
Cons
- ✗ The location is inland and can get very hot, lacking immediate coastal access.
- ✗ Large class sizes, particularly in popular introductory courses.
- ✗ The surrounding city of Riverside is not a major tech or media hub like LA or SF.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UCR is nationally recognized as a leader in undergraduate research and is particularly famous for its top-ranked creative writing program and its highly-regarded programs in biology, entomology, and agricultural sciences. It is also known for its commitment to social mobility and providing access to a diverse student body.
With a 63.3% acceptance rate, UCR is moderately selective. While it is more accessible than some other UC campuses, admission still requires a strong academic record, particularly in UC's A-G course requirements. The university employs a test-blind policy, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not considered, placing greater emphasis on GPA and personal insight questions.
Campus life at UCR is defined by a strong sense of community and school spirit, with over 500 student organizations. Students are passionate about their research, creative pursuits, and cheering on the Highlanders at NCAA Division I sporting events. The campus is residential and features beautiful botanical gardens, creating a relaxed and inspiring environment for daily life.
For in-state students, UCR offers an outstanding value, combining a UC education with a net price that is significantly lower than many public universities. The 10-year median earnings of $67,699 for graduates, combined with a high retention rate, indicates a strong return on investment. For out-of-state students, the value is still solid but requires weighing the higher cost against career goals.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 24,777
- In-State Tuition $14,170
- Out-of-State $44,947
- Zip Code 92521
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a remarkably low average net price of $13,707, UCR offers an exceptional return on investment for a top-tier research university degree. The combination of affordable in-state tuition and strong post-graduation earnings of $67,699 makes it a financially smart choice. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition requires careful consideration, but the academic value remains competitive.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.