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University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA·Public·22,644 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $55,300 within 10 years; strong 77% graduation rate.

63%
Accept
22,644
Students
N/A
Net Price
77%
Grad Rate
$55,300
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

University of California-Riverside is a public institution located in Riverside, California with approximately 22,644 undergraduate students enrolled. University of California-Riverside has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. In-state tuition is $14,170 per year. The graduation rate is 77%, and the typical graduate earns $55,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of California, Riverside is a public land-grant research university in Riverside, California, United States. It is one of the ten campuses of the University of California system. The main campus sits on 1,900 acres (769 ha) in a suburban district of Riverside with a branch campus of 20 acres (8 ha) in Palm Desert. In 1907, the predecessor to UCR was founded as the UC Citrus Experiment Station, which conducted research in biological pest control and the use of growth regulators.

As one of the UC system's more accessible campuses with a 63% acceptance rate, this is a strong option for students who want a legitimate research university without the brutal odds of UCLA or Berkeley. The financial picture is reasonable — median debt of $17,500 is modest, and $55,300 in median earnings after 10 years is solid, though not exceptional. The 77% graduation rate is worth watching; it's not alarming, but it does suggest that a meaningful number of students don't finish, so incoming students should plan intentionally around academic support and staying on track.

Founded
1954

Notable Alumni

Richard R. SchrockJamie ChungSung KangElizabeth GeorgeShin KoyamadaLo MutucAaron LongJames HolmesJohn W. HenryRashad KhalifaBilly CollinsNeil Campbell

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,170
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,947
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
77%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$55,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$55,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White11%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino40%
Asian36%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (22,644 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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