About University of California-Riverside
UC Riverside has built a reputation as one of America's most diverse research universities, with 22,644 students studying in California's Inland Empire. The campus is known for strong research programs across disciplines, from engineering to creative writing. Notable graduates include former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins and Emmy-winning actor Richard Schiff from The West Wing. The university accepts 69% of applicants, making it more accessible than many UC campuses while maintaining academic rigor.
The financial picture looks promising for most students. The average net price after aid is $13,707, well below the sticker price of in-state tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,240 annually. Ten years after graduation, the median salary reaches $67,699, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $17,500. With monthly loan payments averaging $186, graduates can handle their obligations without financial strain.
The student body reflects California's changing demographics, with Hispanic students comprising 40% and Asian students 36% of enrollment. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The Highlanders compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports, though the 298 total athletes represent a small fraction of the large campus community.
The financial picture looks promising for most students. The average net price after aid is $13,707, well below the sticker price of in-state tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,240 annually. Ten years after graduation, the median salary reaches $67,699, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $17,500. With monthly loan payments averaging $186, graduates can handle their obligations without financial strain.
The student body reflects California's changing demographics, with Hispanic students comprising 40% and Asian students 36% of enrollment. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The Highlanders compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports, though the 298 total athletes represent a small fraction of the large campus community.
Academics & Faculty
UC Riverside stands out as a major research university where undergraduates can dive into modern projects alongside faculty. The campus has built a strong reputation in engineering, business, and the sciences, particularly in areas like bioengineering and environmental science. With a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger, but determined students find plenty of research opportunities. The 76% graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success, though some students need extra time to complete demanding programs. UCR's research focus means students get exposure to real-world applications of their studies, from agricultural innovation to medical breakthroughs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 76.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.6%
- Retention Rate
- 88.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,699
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $79,838 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,076 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $63,005 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Doctoral | $60,839 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,320 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,912 |
| Education, General. | Master | $58,568 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,464 |
Campus Life
UCR sits in California's Inland Empire, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. The campus houses 8,700 students out of 22,644 total enrollment, meaning most students live off-campus in nearby apartments or commute from home since 97.49% are California residents. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this desert climate where temperatures regularly hit the 90s. The bell tower anchors a sprawling campus known for its botanical gardens and citrus groves that reflect the region's agricultural roots.
Weekend life centers around the diverse student body where 40.08% are Hispanic and 35.80% are Asian. Students often head to nearby Palm Springs for desert adventures or make the drive to LA beaches. The Highlanders compete in 13 NCAA Division I sports with 298 total athletes, though the 23:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll find more students studying in the library than cheering in the stands. Many work part-time jobs since 46.69% receive Pell Grants, creating a campus culture where academic ambition mixes with real-world responsibility.
Weekend life centers around the diverse student body where 40.08% are Hispanic and 35.80% are Asian. Students often head to nearby Palm Springs for desert adventures or make the drive to LA beaches. The Highlanders compete in 13 NCAA Division I sports with 298 total athletes, though the 23:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll find more students studying in the library than cheering in the stands. Many work part-time jobs since 46.69% receive Pell Grants, creating a campus culture where academic ambition mixes with real-world responsibility.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,700 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
308 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 185 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 34 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 14 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–69°F
- July Avg
- 62°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
UC Riverside draws from California's incredibly diverse population, with Hispanic and Asian students making up three-quarters of the campus. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students from working families. The 97% in-state enrollment shows UCR's strong reputation within California as an accessible research university. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for full universities with strong liberal arts and social science programs. This demographic mix creates one of America's most diverse campuses, where students from immigrant families often become the first in their households to earn college degrees.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 10.5%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 40.1%
- Asian
- 35.8%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.7%
Location
Riverside sits 60 miles east of Los Angeles in California's Inland Empire region. The city of 330,000 residents offers an urban setting without the coastal price tag found in LA or San Diego. Students experience year-round sunshine with over 280 sunny days annually, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. The campus sits near the Santa Ana River and Box Springs Mountains, providing hiking opportunities within minutes of classrooms. Riverside's location puts students within driving distance of beaches, deserts, and mountain resorts. The city blends suburban neighborhoods with a growing downtown arts district. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Riverside with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Riverside, California 92521
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,699
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,411
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Riverside?
UC Riverside accepts 68.69% of applicants, making it one of the more accessible UC campuses. The university prioritizes building California's most diverse student body, with 40.08% Hispanic and 35.80% Asian students.
How much does University of California-Riverside cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,707 for all students, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,240 after aid, while the university meets substantial financial need through its commitment to affordability.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of California-Riverside?
The student-faculty ratio is 23:1 across the university's 22,644 enrolled students. UC Riverside operates on a quarter system and maintains strong research programs despite the larger class sizes typical of public universities.
What do University of California-Riverside graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $67,699 ten years after graduation with manageable debt levels averaging $17,500. The university's focus on serving first-generation college students and diverse populations creates strong economic mobility for graduates.
Where do University of California-Riverside students live on campus?
The campus houses 8,700 students in residence halls and apartments, serving about 38% of the total enrollment. Nearly all students (97.49%) come from California, creating a strong in-state community in the large city setting of Riverside.
Does University of California-Riverside compete in Division I athletics?
The Highlanders compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big West Conference with 13 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $4.27 million in scholarships to 298 student-athletes while maintaining the university's academic focus.
