Most Affordable in Southern California
Every out-of-state student, regardless of income, who dreams big and works hard should be able to graduate from the greatest public university system in the world! Let us show you how to pay for school as a Highlander at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
Most Affordable Prestigious University in SoCal
Based on cost of living and Pell and other Federal Grants given (NCES 2022-23 Data).
UCR is a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), alongside UCI, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, Caltech, and USC.
In the top 1.3% of universities worldwide.
Of those who applied for aid.
2024 Center for World University Rankings
5-Stars
One of only 54 universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, to receive a 5-star ranking based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes.
Money Magazine’s 2024 List of Best Colleges, 2024
Value of a UC Riverside Degree
Find out how valuable a UCR degree can be for more earnings, career options, and employability.
Explore ValueHow to Make UC Riverside Affordable
Non-Resident Achievement Scholarship
Out-of-state students are automatically considered for a scholarship, as long as you maintain a 3.0 while attending UCR!
Learn More >>Veterans
Student veterans, dependents, or other military-affiliated students may have access to other financial benefits to help pay for their UC Riverside education!
Learn More >>Deferred Payment Plan
Students don't necessarily need to pay all their tuition and fees at one time. They can request a special payment plan that spreads out their payments across the quarter.
Learn More >>Career Center
Get career-ready with drop-In advising, resume workshops, graduate school preparation, career fairs, jobs, and internships.
Learn More >>Cost of Attendance
What will it cost YOU?
Each student is different, so look into what your actual costs may be!
COST ESTIMATORUniversity of California Tuition Stability Plan
As an incoming UCR Highlander, your tuition will remain flat until you graduate, for up to six years! This makes it easier for you to plan for the cost of achieving a UC degree.
Ready to apply for financial aid?
The very first thing you need to is complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by the March 2 priority deadline. Even if you don’t think you may receive much aid, complete this anyways to be eligible!
For an out-of-state student, here’s how Summer Sessions can help you save:
- You pay in-state tuition during summer!
- All UCR undergraduates only pay for the first eight units, but you can take more for nearly free!
- If you’re staying in campus apartments, your summer rent could be free!
Scholarships
There are scholarships available that out-of-state students can apply for, including from UCR and from all sorts of outside agencies, businesses, or non-profits. You can apply for as many scholarships as you want and many of them, you might automatically be considered for once you’re admitted!
“UCR was the best fit for me as it was not only affordable, but it allowed me to explore various aspects of my major and try new things! I've spread my wings. UCR also has a great sense of community that encourages students. Instead of competition, we help guide each other as a community of students.”
Capra Lockridge, Class of ’24, Theatre, Film and Digital Production
Out-of-State Student from Alabama
Recipient of UCR’s Non-Resident Achievement Scholarship
Lower Cost of Living
The cost of living in Riverside is much lower than metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This makes renting or sharing an off-campus apartment or house a lot more affordable.
