Overview
Founded in 1907 as an agricultural experiment station and established as a general campus of the University of California in 1954, UC Riverside has grown into a major research institution recognized for its contributions to entomology, plant science, and citrus research. Over the decades it expanded into a comprehensive university with strong programs across the sciences, business, engineering, and humanities, earning R1 'very high research activity' status. UCR is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation for social mobility, reflecting its commitment to serving a highly diverse, first-generation, and low-income student population.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Riverside, California |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Total students | 26,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 19:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 68% |
| Graduation rate | 76% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $45,300 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $18,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1090-1350 |
| ACT range | 20-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Entomology
- Psychology
- Bioengineering
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.