Public Institution

University of California-Riverside — Riverside, California

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Annual Tuition $14,170

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 63.3%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 22,644

Active Students

Avg. Salary $67,699

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Riverside, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of California-Riverside stands as a pillar of higher education in Riverside, providing a robust academic foundation for 22,644 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of California-Riverside offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of California-Riverside. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Biological Sciences

19.5%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

18.1%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

14.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

10.1%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of California-Riverside provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of California-Riverside provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Riverside?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 63.3%

Difficulty Low

University of California-Riverside maintains an acceptance rate of 63.3%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47.8%

Women Enrollment 52.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

University of California-Riverside follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for University of California-Riverside.

Official Admission Portal

How much does University of California-Riverside cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,170

Out-of-State Tuition $44,947

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 46.7%

Median Student Debt $17,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,170, graduates see a median starting salary of $67,699, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can University of California-Riverside graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $67,699

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 76.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,707

Median Salary (6yr) $48,593

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of California-Riverside in Riverside?

22,644 Students

Gender Comparison

47.8% Men

52.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

88.2%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

35.8%

Black

3.4%

White

10.5%

Unknown

1.3%

Hispanic

40.1%

Two or More Races

4.7%

International

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

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First-Generation 48.3%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 78.5%

🎖️

Veterans 0.1%

💍

Married Students 1.6%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 58.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$68,292
Average Family Income	$48,858
Median Family Income	$35,809

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

59%

41%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Riverside Campus Environment

Located at 900 University Ave, University of California-Riverside offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of California-Riverside compare?

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Direct Comparison University of California-Riverside vs Riverside City College →

Common Questions about University of California-Riverside

Is University of California-Riverside a good college in Riverside, California?

University of California-Riverside is a recognized institution in Riverside with an enrollment of 22,644 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is University of California-Riverside worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $67,699 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of California-Riverside cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of California-Riverside is approximately $14,170. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $44,947. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of California-Riverside after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of California-Riverside for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 78.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of California-Riverside good for Biological Sciences and Social Sciences programs?

University of California-Riverside reports program activity in Biological Sciences and Social Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of California-Riverside?

Graduates of University of California-Riverside often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Biological Sciences. With a median salary of $67,699, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of California-Riverside?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on University of California-Riverside's official admissions website.

Does University of California-Riverside require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on University of California-Riverside's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of California-Riverside graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of California-Riverside earn a median salary of $67,699 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of California-Riverside a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare University of California-Riverside's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of California-Riverside located and what is the campus like?

University of California-Riverside is located at 900 University Ave in Riverside, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 22,644 learners.

Who typically attends University of California-Riverside in Riverside, CA?

The student body at University of California-Riverside is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 48.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of California-Riverside with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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