Quick Summary
Public research university in Riverside, United States — University of California, Riverside, est. 1954. Ranked #451 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 26809 students including 14% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Agriculture and Forestry, Entomology, Public Policy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 69%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Ranked #1 for social mobility, high research output, and diverse student body within the prestigious UC system.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture and ForestryEntomologyPublic PolicyEngineeringBiological Sciences
Founded1954
TypePublic Research University
Total Students26809
Intl Students14%
Faculty Ratio23
CampusSuburban
Campus Size1,200 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUCR Health
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#451
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#251-300
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
81 majors, 52 minors, 55 master's programs, 42 PhD programs
Programs
42 PhD programs including Entomology, Plant Biology, and Creative Writing
PhD Programs
UCR Extension Professional Studies, Online Master of Science in Engineering
Online Programs
Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), Institute for Integrative Genome Biology (IIGB)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate69%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.4
GREVaries by program
GMATVaries by program
SATNot considered for admission
ACTNot considered for admission
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on Personal Insight Questions and showcase leadership, community involvement, and academic rigor in the UC application.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$48,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$20,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$32,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$95
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$69,095/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableNon-Resident Achievement Scholarship, Regents Scholarship, Chancellor's Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$13,500
Financial AidAvailable through FAFSA and CADAA
Work-StudyFederal and Institutional Work-Study available
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 81 majors, 52 minors, 55 master's programs, 42 PhD programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Biology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$62,000
Average Salary After Graduation
84%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement through Career Center and industry partnerships
Industry Connections
Strong ties in BiotechnologyAgricultureEnvironmental Techand Southern California Logistics
Notable Alumni
Billy Collins, Elizabeth George, Richard Schrock, Steve Breen
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Student Recreation Center, UCR Track Facility, Riverside Sports Complex
Student Clubs
Over 500 student organizations
Library Resources
Tomas Rivera Library, Orbach Science Library, Special Collections & Archives
Exchange Programs
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
Summer Programs
UCR Summer Sessions