Our office is operating remotely and available to assist you via admissions@ucr.edu. More on Campus Return, COVID-19 and temporary changes to admission requirements. Admitted students, check MyUCR for news.

Skip to main content
UC Riverside

Undergraduate Admissions

UNIQUE. COMMITTED. REAL.

Three students walk by a modern wall sculpture on the UC Riverside campus

Out-of-State

Follow Your Dreams to California.

Turn your passion into purpose as part of the UCR family. Our award-winning faculty will mentor you. Our diverse campus community will embrace you. And our dedicated resources will help you build your future! Sunny Southern California invites you to make the University of California, Riverside your home away from home.

We've been waiting for a Highlander like you. Apply to UCR today!

 

Good Things Are Coming Your Way!

Connect with the UC Riverside community and start receiving information about your next big adventure!

Fill out our inquiry form

 

Out-of-State Financial Aid, Costs & Fees

You can afford a UC education! The cost of attending UCR is extremely competitive compared with other University of California campuses and private schools. Living in Riverside is also considerably less expensive than living in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego. Read on to learn more about the programs available to help you pay for your UCR degree and how much that degree costs.

 

Financial Aid

A UC degree is more affordable than you might think! Scholarships, loans and work-study are offered to qualified students by UCR’s Financial Aid office. To qualify for financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application or Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2.

 

Non-Resident Achievement Scholarship

Non-resident/out-of-state freshman and transfer students are automatically considered for the Non-Resident Achievement Scholarship with their acceptance to UCR. No additional forms, paperwork, or applications are required to receive the scholarship. Top-achieving students can receive up to $4,500 each quarter. go.ucr.edu/nrscholarship

UC Riverside Foundation Scholarships

The UC Riverside Foundation offers scholarships, fellowships, internships, prizes, awards, and loans to qualifying UCR students. Use the online database to search for aid based on your college, major, financial need, career goals, and more. scholarships.ucr.edu

Work-Study

Eligible students can earn money for school through an approved on- or off-campus work-study job. Funds can only be used during the academic year, and you must meet financial need, academic, and other requirements to maintain your eligibility. careers.ucr.edu

 

2020–21 Estimated Costs for Out-of-State Undergraduates

  Living with Parents Living in Residence Halls Living in Campus Apartments Living off Campus
Systemwide Tuition and Fees 1 $12,570 $12,570 $12,570 $12,570
UCR Campus Fees 1 $2,411 $2,411 $2,411 $2,411
Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition 1 $29,754 $29,754 $29,754 $29,754
Health Insurance 2 $1,774 $1,774 $1,774 $1,774
Room and Board 3 $6,575 $17,350 $11,000 $11,000
Books/Supplies $1,450 $1,450 $1,450 $1,450
Transportation $1,500 $675 $1,300 $1,300
Personal Expenses $1,650 $1,575 $1,725 $1,725
Total $57,684 $67,559 $61,984 $61,984

New freshmen only: Add the $65 mandatory Highlander Orientation Fee to the total.
New transfers only: Add the $65 mandatory Highlander Orientation Fee to the total.
All new students: Add the $165 One-Time Document Fee to the total.

Estimated SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) = $1,774
Fees including SHIP = $46,509; fees if SHIP is waived = $44,735

Some or all instruction for all or part of academic year 2020–21 may be delivered remotely. Tuition and mandatory fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year.

Notes:

1 Tuition, fees and charges are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by State funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved levels (and a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown.

2 The University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP) supplements the outpatient care available to all registered students through the Campus Health Center.  Students are automatically enrolled in the UCSHIP and therefore charged an associated health insurance fee; however, students who can prove comparable or better coverage from another source may apply for an exemption from the UCSHIP and have the associated health insurance fee waived. This health insurance fee is non-refundable after the first day of instruction. For more information on UCSHIP and the associated health insurance fee, to include the waiver process, please visit https://studenthealth.ucr.edu/student-health-insurance-plan-ship.

3 You can also view local housing cost information on the UCR Off-Campus Housing webpage.  Keep in mind local averages are not used to determine student budget costs. 

 

  UCR Net Price Calculator

Fill out the form at go.ucr.edu/estimate to get an estimate of what your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid package at UCR could be.

 

UCR alumna, Tiffany Reynolds stands in front of giant metal letters spelling UCR
“Keep your adventurous heart open because it takes a lot of courage to come to a school that is a completely different environment than where you’re from. Be open to all of the different options on campus — all of the different experiences they offer. There is so much to do [at UCR].”

 

Tiffany Reynolds, from Washington
Psychology Major

Applying to UCR

As a public institution, we prioritize admission for California residents. However, UCR also believes that out-of-state students add an important and valuable depth to our campus.  And as a top-ranking university, UCR sets high admission standards. Incoming students are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including academic performance and the potential for success as an undergraduate.

Prepare for admission to UCR with the Out-of-State Freshman Admission Checklist or the Out-of-State Transfer Admission Checklist. 

 

3.4

Minimum Out-of-State Freshman GPA Requirement

2.8

Minimum Out-of-State Transfer GPA Requirement

21:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

 

Out-of-State Freshman

Along with the minimum admissions requirements that California residents must meet, out-of-state applicants must also follow these instructions that apply specifically to them. If you are an international applicant studying in the United States but not in California, please follow these instructions for visa and U.S. entry requirements.

Requirements

UC Riverside will no longer use standardized exam scores (ACT/SAT) in our comprehensive review and selection process for the fall 2021 admission cycle. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used to determine your eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.

  • Comprehensive Review

    Comprehensive review is the process by which UC Riverside (UCR) evaluates freshman applicants, who meet minimum UC requirements, using multiple measures of achievement and promise, while considering the context in which each student has demonstrated accomplishment. UCR will calculate an Academic Index Score (AIS) for all freshman applicants. The faculty of UCR have designated the measures described below to be used to calculate the AIS.

    High School GPA—The strength of an applicant’s high school GPA is the strongest indicator that a student will be successful within an academically challenging UC environment. The capped GPA is calculated on the basis of all completed “a-g” courses with extra points added for UC-approved honors courses taken in grades 10 and 11, capped at 8 semesters. A capped GPA considers the extra points earned for honors-level courses and may exceed 4.0 for some students.

    Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses—AP and IB courses prepare students for college-level coursework. Therefore, students who take and do well in these courses tend to have a high probability for success within the UC environment.

    Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)—The Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program recognizes the individual accomplishments of students in light of the opportunities offered by their particular high school.

    Low Family Income—Students who demonstrate high academic achievement, despite low socioeconomic status, are likely to exhibit persistence, maturity, and insight. Low family income is determined based on total family members and household income.

    First-Generation University Attendance— UC-eligible applicants who are the first in their immediate family to attend college are apt to have personal strengths that will contribute to their academic success. Students whose parents have not graduated from a four-year college or university are qualified for first-generation university attendance.

  • Subject Requirements

    You must earn a grade of C or better in all “a-g” courses and complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory (“a–g”) courses. There is no pre-approved course list for schools outside of California — refer to the “a-g” course list for types of classes out-of-state students should take to meet UC requirements. For students outside of California, “a-g” courses are the equivalent of college preparatory course.

    Eleven of those 15 courses must be completed prior to your senior year. Find out if your course is UC approved, and if your college course or SAT/AP/IB exam score meets an “a–g” requirement.

  • GPA Requirements

    To meet minimum out-of-state requirements, you must earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher in “a–g” courses taken during grades 10 and 11 (including summers before and after), weighted by a maximum of eight semesters of UC-approved honors points, with no grade lower than a C.

    Extra Points for Honors Courses: In calculating an out-of-state student's GPA, UC will grant honors weight for AP or IB courses only, but not for school-designated honors courses. The weight is given to letter grades of A, B, or C.

    • A=5, B=4 and C=3; D or F=0 extra points.
    • Approved honors-level courses may also include acceptable AP classes, higher- (and some standard-) level IB classes and transferable college courses.

How to Apply

Featured Video

 

How to Apply to UC Riverside

Follow along as UCR students walk you through the process of filling out an admission application.

Out-of-State Transfer

Along with the minimum admissions requirements that California Community College transfers must meet, transfers from out-of-state colleges must also follow these instructions that apply specifically to them.

Requirements

  • Unit & GPA Requirements

    You must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.8 for out-of-state transfers. Some major programs require a higher minimum GPA for admission. Admission to UCR to selective, so strive to surpass the minimum.

  • Required Community College Classes

    You need to complete the following seven-course pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment at UCR (or the fall term prior to enrollment if you're applying for winter admission):

    • Two transferable courses in English composition
    • One transferable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
    • Four transferred courses chosen from at least two of these subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences

     

Getting into Your Major

  • For All Majors

    In general, each major has prerequisite (major prep) coursework that you must take before transferring in order to get into your major.

    Take the recommended lower-division/general education/breadth classes for your major. Contact a UCR admissions counselor to learn more about what your major program recommends.

    Each major has a minimum GPA requirement. Some majors require a GPA higher than that required for basic admission. Programs are selective. Strive to surpass your program’s minimum GPA. Remember: All transferable coursework will be considered.

  • Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    You are strongly encouraged to focus on preparatory course work (mathematics, science, and technical work) for your desired major. Additional breadth coursework may be required after enrollment at BCOE.

    Prerequisites
    Strong technical preparation is essential for success in the admissions process and, subsequently, in all coursework at BCOE. If you intend to transfer to an engineering major, you are expected to complete the equivalent of UCR coursework required in the first two years of the programs and apply for transfer starting your junior year. 

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about transferring to BCOE.

  • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete the UCR breadth pattern for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS). 

    Prerequisites
    Contact a UCR admissions counselor to learn more about the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about transferring to CHASS.

  • College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    You are strongly encouraged to focus on preparatory coursework (mathematics, science, and technical work) for your desired major. Additional breadth coursework may be required after enrollment at CNAS.

    Prerequisites
    Contact a UCR admissions counselor to learn more about the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being a CNAS student.

  • Graduate School of Education Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete the UCR breadth pattern for the Graduate School of Education (GSOE).

    Prerequisites
    Contact a UCR admissions counselor to learn more about the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer). 

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being a GSOE student.

  • School of Business Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Business.

    Prerequisites
    Complete community college courses equivalent to seven lower division UCR business major requirements.

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being a School of Business student.

  • School of Public Policy Requirements

    Breadth Requirements
    Complete the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Public Policy (SPP).

    Prerequisites
    Contact a UCR admissions counselor to learn more about the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).

    Minimum GPA
    Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.

    Learn more about being an SPP student.

For more information on major requirements review our Majors Preparation Guide.

How to Apply

  • Gather Your Information

    Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate fall/winter admission application.

  • Personal Insight Questions

    Express who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with us by answering one required and an additional three out of seven personal insight questions.

  • Complete the UC Application

    Fall admission to UCR opens on Aug. 1. The fall application filing period is Nov. 1-30.

    Winter admission to UCR opens on July. 1. The winter application filing period is July 1-31.

    Start your UC application here.

    The fee is $70 for each UC. You can apply for a fee waiver — provided you have your family’s income and the number of people supported by it — when you fill out the application.

    If you have difficulties, contact ucinfo@applyucsupport.net or (800) 207-1710.

  • After You Apply

    Now that you have applied, there are just a few more steps to complete the process. These include printing your receipt, ordering test score reports and updating your application, if needed.

    UCR Undergraduate Admissions will email instructions on how to access your MyUCR admission portal account. Log in regularly to check your admission status, respond to messages, and track important dates and deadlines. Fall admission notifications begin in March. Admission notifications for winter begin in September.

Out-of-State Dates & Deadlines

Find the dates of instruction at registrar.ucr.edu.

 

Fall Admissions: Out-of-State Freshman and Transfer Students

Aug. 1

Access the UC application

Nov. 1–30

Submit your UC application

Jan. 31

Deadline to complete the Transfer Academic Update for transfer students

March 

Admission notifications begin
Access the next steps to UCR for admitted freshmen and fall transfers

March 1

Housing contracts become available

May 1

Freshman deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

May 10

Deadline to submit housing contract and first payment

June 1

Transfer deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

July 1

Deadline to submit your final, official high school transcript (or college transcripts/documents for coursework completed through end of spring)

July 15

Deadline to submit official AP, IB, and A-Level exam scores

September

Fall quarter begins

 

Winter Admissions: Out-of-State Transfer Students

July  1

Access the UC application

July 1–31

Submit your UC application

September

Admission notifications begin
Access the next steps to UCR for admitted winter transfer students

September

Housing: Since campus housing is assigned first-come, first served, it is recommended that you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), housing contract or application, and first housing payment as early as possible.

Oct. 15

Deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)

Nov. 1

Deadline to submit your final transcripts/documents for coursework completed through fall

Dec. 1

Deadline to register for winter Highlander Orientation

Jan. 15

Deadline to submit your final transcript/document for coursework completed through end of fall

January

Winter quarter begins

 

Financial Aid

Oct. 1

Access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and GPA form to apply for financial aid (UCR school code: 001316)

March 2

Deadline to submit your FAFSA

 

 

Resources & Support

UCR is dedicated to your success and offers a range of programs and resources to support you along your path to a UCR degree. Get guidance from faculty and student mentors. Excel in your courses with the help of a tutor or study group. Connect with a wellness department to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Develop as a leader in a campus organization.

Meet Your Counselor

For International and Out-of-State Students

Mandy Loh

Assistant Director of International and Out-of-State Recruitment and Evaluation
+1 (951) 827-4410
mandy.loh@ucr.edu
  Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Mandarin

Kim Menchavez

International Admissions Specialist
+1 (951) 827-6701
kim.menchavez@ucr.edu
  Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Tagalog

David Dai

China Regional International Recruitment Specialist
+86 18600931088
wei.dai@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Mandarin

Gabriel Hernandez

Out-of-State Admissions Specialist
(951) 827-5492
gabriel.hernandez3@ucr.edu
  Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Spanish

 

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

 

900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521

Tel: (951) 827-1012

UCR is tobacco & smoke free

This information is accurate and reliable at time of posting but may change without notice. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions for the most up-to-date information.

The "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" commonly referred to as the "Clery Act," requires institutions of higher education receiving federal financial aid to report specified crime statistics on college campuses and to provide other safety and crime information to members of the campus community. The report is available on the Institutional Ethics and Compliance website. If you would like a printout containing this information, you can contact the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator via email at magaly.perez@ucr.edu or by phone at (951) 827-5747.