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University of California System

University of California - Riverside

#11 in Top Public Universities in California
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Riverside, CA
  • 3,118 reviews
    B+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B+
    2. Value
      A
    3. Diversity
      A
    4. Campus
      B-
    5. Athletics
      B
    6. Party Scene
      A-
    7. Professors
      A
    8. Location
      C+
    9. Dorms
      B-
    10. Campus Food
      A-
    11. Student Life
      B+
    12. Safety
      C+
    View Full Report Card
    UC Riverside is an above-average public university located in Riverside, California in the Los Angeles Area. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 19,719 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the UC Riverside acceptance rate is 57%. Popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Biology. Graduating 75% of students, UC Riverside alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $33,700.
    About University of California - Riverside...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    Big West Conference
    Address
    900 University Ave
    Riverside, CA 92521
    Branch of
    University of California System
    Website
    ucr.edu
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    University of California - Riverside Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    57%
    Application Deadline
    November 30
    SAT Range
    1090-1300
    ACT Range
    23-29
    Application Fee
    $70
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    No

    Test Prep

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    Cost

    Net Price
    $12,404/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $21,249/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    87%

    Academics

    Professors
    A
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    22:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    78%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.214 responses
    33%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.239 responses
    56%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.237 responses
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    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Business
      663 Graduates
    • Psychology
      433 Graduates
    • Biology
      360 Graduates
    • Sociology
      295 Graduates
    • Economics
      236 Graduates
    • Political Science and Government
      217 Graduates
    • Anthropology
      158 Graduates
    • Film and Video Studies
      155 Graduates
    • Managerial Economics
      143 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      112 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    19,719Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    354
    Undergrads Over 25
    4%
    Pell Grant
    57%
    Varsity Athletes
    1%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 152 responses
    Report
    • Friendly
      57%
    • Diverse
      20%
    • On The Go
      14%
    • High
      3%
    • Outgoing
      2%
    • Energetic
      1%
    • Stressed
      1%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    54%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.287 responses
    Poll
    58%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.344 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 168 responses
    Report
    • Diverse
      46%
    • Interesting
      16%
    • Awesome
      15%
    • Engaging environment
      8%
    • Redemption
      4%
    • High
      2%
    • Chill
      2%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $49,700/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    75%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    91%
    National
    83%
    68%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.163 responses
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    University of California - Riverside Reviews

    3,118 reviews
    All Categories
    I am a Microbiology major going into my Sophomore year at UCR. Because I moved 8 hours from my home in San Francisco, I was faced with many fears. However, I found the UCR atmosphere to be very welcoming, diverse, and full of opportunity. Outside of campus is sketchy, so never walk alone or get some pepper spray. Besides that UCR is filled with many resources to aid in health, struggling studies, or an organization to fit in! I would definitely recommend this college to anyone, despite the stereotypes that are associated with UCR. Location wise, it’s in the middle of SoCal. A couple hours to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Coachella, etc. I would also like to mention that there are many professors passionate about their job, along with many intelligent students who are eager to learn - don't mix this up with the partying stereotypes! I believe I live a well balanced life in Riverside - although my tuition made me second guess going to this school, it's worth my penny going here.
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    The University of California, Riverside is a good school for students pursuing a degree in the sciences for its many opportunities to participate in laboratory experiences. This school provides opportunities such as working with professors on research projects and has numerous centers on campus providing career guidance. Although this school, focuses largely on academic success of the students, UCR fails to address problems that would benefit the students learning environment. The school has inefficient parking for the amount of students that commute to campus, yet they refuse to put money towards parking structures and instead continue to build more residence halls and classrooms. Adding more students to the school is only further going to decrease the already limited parking spots on campus, causing students to miss classes and overall dread driving to school as the parking situation is a nightmare.
    I love the diversity of UCR! Because of the diversity, there was a "welcoming" atmosphere all around campus. All the professors were very engaging and helped the students whenever they needed help!

    I love how big yet concise the campus is. There is a lot of room to walk around, explore, etc. However, you are still able to get around in a small time frame!

    I love the new gym as well!