About University of California-Irvine
UC Irvine stands out as a research powerhouse known for computer science, engineering, and biological sciences programs. The university enrolls 29,494 students on a modern campus that was built from scratch in the 1960s in Orange County. Notable graduates include comedian Jon Lovitz and Hot Pockets founder Paul Merage. Students compete for spots in a selective environment with just a 21% acceptance rate.
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $6,485 after aid. Even middle-class families earning $75,000-$110,000 typically pay around $16,809. Graduates earn a median salary of $80,735 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt of $15,000. Monthly loan payments average just $159, making the investment manageable.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 39% Asian students and 26% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Students maintain strong academic momentum with a 94% retention rate and 86% graduation rate within four years. The quarter system keeps the pace fast, and the 18:1 student-faculty ratio means competition for professor attention. Anteater athletics compete in Division I, though sports culture takes a backseat to academics.
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $6,485 after aid. Even middle-class families earning $75,000-$110,000 typically pay around $16,809. Graduates earn a median salary of $80,735 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt of $15,000. Monthly loan payments average just $159, making the investment manageable.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 39% Asian students and 26% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Students maintain strong academic momentum with a 94% retention rate and 86% graduation rate within four years. The quarter system keeps the pace fast, and the 18:1 student-faculty ratio means competition for professor attention. Anteater athletics compete in Division I, though sports culture takes a backseat to academics.
Academics & Faculty
UC Irvine built its reputation as a research powerhouse in computer science, engineering, and biological sciences since opening in the 1960s. The school maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing solid access to professors despite its research university status. Students benefit from strong academic support, evidenced by an impressive 86% four-year graduation rate that matches the six-year rate. The computer science program consistently ranks among the top public universities nationally. Engineering students gain hands-on research experience in modern labs. Pre-med students thrive in the biological sciences programs, which feed into top medical schools. The quarter system accelerates learning but demands quick adaptation to intensive coursework.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Retention Rate
- 93.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,735
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $190,536 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $115,339 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $97,959 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $92,632 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,983 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,929 |
| Sociology. | Doctoral | $81,111 |
| Criminology. | Doctoral | $79,450 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $79,284 |
| Economics. | Doctoral | $78,971 |
Campus Life
UC Irvine's sprawling modern campus sits in one of Orange County's most planned communities, just 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. With housing capacity for 15,544 students out of 29,494 total enrollment, about half live on campus in residence halls and apartments that feel more like suburban complexes than traditional dorms. The year-round Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen far more than a winter coat, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50 degrees.
The campus operates on a quarter system, keeping academic intensity high throughout the year. Students gather at the famous Ring Mall, the circular walkway that connects academic buildings around Aldrich Park's green space. Weekends often mean trips to nearby beaches like Newport or Laguna, which are less than 30 minutes away. The Anteaters compete in 18 varsity sports, though school spirit runs more toward academic achievement than athletics. With 38.63% Asian students and 26.24% Hispanic students, the diverse campus reflects Orange County's demographics. Many students stay local after graduation, with the 91.3% employment rate benefiting from proximity to tech companies and biotech firms.
The campus operates on a quarter system, keeping academic intensity high throughout the year. Students gather at the famous Ring Mall, the circular walkway that connects academic buildings around Aldrich Park's green space. Weekends often mean trips to nearby beaches like Newport or Laguna, which are less than 30 minutes away. The Anteaters compete in 18 varsity sports, though school spirit runs more toward academic achievement than athletics. With 38.63% Asian students and 26.24% Hispanic students, the diverse campus reflects Orange County's demographics. Many students stay local after graduation, with the 91.3% employment rate benefiting from proximity to tech companies and biotech firms.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 15,544 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
377 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 122 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 44 | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 27 | 23 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 38 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 21 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 16 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–67°F
- July Avg
- 66°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
UCI draws heavily from California, with 78% of students staying in-state to access top-tier research programs at a reasonable cost. The student body is majority Asian American at 39%, reflecting the university's strength in STEM fields and Orange County's demographics. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for full universities. More than one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing UCI's commitment to educating middle-class Californians. The diverse mix creates a academically focused environment where first-generation college students work alongside students from established professional families.
- Men
- 44.1%
- Women
- 55.9%
- White
- 12.9%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 26.2%
- Asian
- 38.6%
- In-State Students
- 77.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.3%
Location
The University of California-Irvine sits in Orange County, roughly 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Irvine is a planned city known for its master-planned communities and tech industry presence. The 1,500-acre campus lies just 10 miles from Pacific beaches and draws heavily from California residents, with 77.88% of students coming from in-state. The surrounding area blends suburban neighborhoods with business districts housing major corporations like Broadcom and Blizzard Entertainment. Orange County's Mediterranean climate and proximity to both beaches and mountains creates an appealing Southern California environment. The city itself was largely built around the university when it opened in 1965. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Irvine with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Irvine, California 92697
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,735
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $72,659
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Irvine?
UC Irvine accepts 21.15% of applicants, making it one of the more competitive UC campuses. The university is particularly selective for its well-known computer science and engineering programs.
How much does University of California-Irvine cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,840, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,485. Most graduates leave with only $15,000 in debt, well below the national average.
What academic programs is University of California-Irvine known for?
UCI excels in computer science, engineering, and biological sciences with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The quarter system allows students to take more courses throughout the year compared to semester-based schools.
How well do University of California-Irvine graduates perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median of $80,735 ten years after graduation with a 91.3% employment rate. The strong outcomes reflect UCI's location in Orange County's tech corridor and its rigorous academic programs.
Where do students live at University of California-Irvine?
The campus houses 15,544 students in residence halls on the modern campus built in the 1960s. With 77.88% of students coming from in-state, many commute from nearby Orange County communities.
What makes University of California-Irvine's student body unique?
Asian students comprise 38.63% of the student body, the highest percentage in the UC system. The campus is also known for its unusual Anteaters mascot and competes in NCAA Division I with 18 varsity sports.
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