At $13,707/yr net price, University of California-Riverside graduates earn $67,699/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,699/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,707 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,699/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,699/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,240/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,615/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,449/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,297/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,624/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $79,838 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 | $25,083 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,076 | $19,250 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $63,005 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Doctoral | $60,839 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,320 | $76,013 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,912 | $21,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $58,568 | $25,601 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,464 | $17,182 |
The Risk Factor
76.6% of students at University of California-Riverside graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
UC Riverside gives you a solid financial return, mostly because the cost stays low. You carry a median debt of $17,500 against median earnings that clear it inside the first couple of years. The 76.6% grad rate and 88% retention mean most people who start actually finish, which is the biggest financial risk avoided at any school.
Engineering is where the payoff shows up. Computer engineering leads at nearly $70k, with electrical engineering close behind. But watch the debt-to-earnings gap by program. Computer engineering graduates borrow the most ($25,083) yet earn enough to justify it. Chemical and biomedical engineering are the weak spots here: both pay under $50k while still loading you with around $17k to $20k in debt. That's a worse trade than the other three engineering tracks, so if you're drawn to those two, know the numbers upfront.
The specific risk at UCR is major choice. Only engineering earnings are listed, and they range widely. Pick computer or electrical engineering and the return is strong. Land in a lower-paying program and your debt looks the same while your paycheck doesn't.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $8,240 a year. between $48k and $75k, $12,449. Above $110k, the price jumps to $29,624, more than triple the lowest tier. That top-tier number is where UCR stops being cheap, so higher-income families should compare it against other California options.
UCR fits you if you're targeting engineering, especially the computer or electrical tracks, and your family income keeps your net price under $13k. If you're paying the full $29,624 and heading toward a lower-earning field, run the math against alternatives first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Riverside worth the cost?
UC Riverside offers decent value with a low net price of $13,707 and graduates earning $67,699 after 10 years. The debt burden is manageable at $17,500 median, making it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University of California-Riverside?
Education majors earn the highest at $79,838 after 10 years, followed by Computer Engineering at $69,617. Psychology and engineering programs also show solid returns above the school average.
How much debt do University of California-Riverside graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $17,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment.
Is University of California-Riverside a good financial investment?
With low tuition costs and decent post-graduation earnings, UC Riverside provides solid financial returns. The 76.6% graduation rate means most students complete their degree, though earnings vary significantly by major.