University of California, Riverside

University of California, Riverside

(UC Riverside)

UC Riverside is a public research university in Southern California's Inland Empire, distinguished as the most socially mobile campus in the UC system. It has particular strengths in entomology, agricultural sciences, and biology, and serves one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies of any research university in the nation.

Mascot: Highlander

Notable Alumni

Billy Collins (U.S. Poet Laureate)Sung Kang (actor, Fast & Furious)Jamie Chung (actress)

At a Glance

Acceptance Rate
63%
SAT (Ignored)
1080–1280
Avg GPA
3.84
Enrollment
22.6K
Setting
Suburban
Founded
1954

Cost

Tuition (In-State)$15K
Tuition (Out-of-State)$47K
Room & Board$19K
Est. Annual Total (In-State)$34K
Est. Annual Total (Out-of-State)$66K

Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.

Top Programs & National Ranking

Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.

Highlights

#2 entomology program worldwide
Top UC for social mobility
Strong biological and agricultural sciences

Athletics

Division
NCAA Division 1
Conference
Big West Conference
View on NCAA.com

Safety

Campus SafetySafe

UCR Police provide 24/7 law enforcement with video surveillance on most buildings and parking lots, electronically secured dorms, and late-night transportation.

Neighborhood SafetyModerate

Riverside has a high crime rate with violent crime well above the national average. Students report feeling safe on campus but note that safety diminishes quickly once leaving university grounds.

Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.

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