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.
Undergraduate Admissions
Out-of-State
Follow Your Dreams to California.
Follow Your Heart to UCR.
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.
Come discover how we can nurture your passions and 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!
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.
90%
of UCR undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
67%
of those who receive financial aid have their full fees covered by grants and/or scholarships.
(Financial Aid Office, 2019–20)
Additional Aid
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
2019–20 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 | $11,442 | $11,442 | $11,442 | $11,442 |
| 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 | $56,556 | $66,431 | $60,856 | $60,856 |
New freshmen only: Add the $270 mandatory Highlander Orientation Fee to the total.
New transfers only: Add the $90 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 = $15,627; fees if SHIP is waived = $13,853
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.
“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
Class of ’18, Psychology
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: academic performance, standardized exam scores 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
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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.
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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.
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Examination Requirement
To meet minimum requirements to be considered for UCR selection, you must take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay exam by December of your senior year and report your test scores by January of your senior year. Learn more about the examination requirement.
SAT subject tests are not required. However, you may want to take them if you want to:
- Demonstrate mastery of a particular subject.
- Satisfy an “a–g” requirement.
- Apply for a competitive major that strongly recommends them.
Applicants to the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) and College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Math Subject Exam and either the Physics or Chemistry SAT Subject Exam.
How to Apply
-
Gather Your Information
Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate fall admission application. You can also find information about specific out-of-state admission requirements. Then learn about tips and tools that are specific to out-of-state freshman applicants.
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Personal Insight Questions
Express who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with us by answering four out of eight personal insight questions.
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Complete the UC Application
The UC application for fall admission to UCR opens on Aug. 1. The fee is $70 for each UC. The fall application filing period is Nov. 1-30. If you have difficulties, contact ucinfo@applyucsupport.net or (800) 207-1710.
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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. Admission notifications begin in March.
“Southern California is the place to be, and UCR is one of the biggest up and coming universities of the twenty-first century. UCR has continued to impress me in both its diversity and its desire to get students actively involved in the community. UCR helped me meet some of the best people, and allowed me to branch out and explore new cultures and activities.”
Ryan Ulep, from North Carolina
Computer Engineering Major
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
Check ASSIST.org to see which courses from your community college are transferable.
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. Use ASSIST.org to see what your major program recommends or contact a UCR admissions counselor for help.
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.
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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 rather than on IGETC completion. However, the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) does accept completion of IGETC as satisfying the majority of breadth requirements. 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. Use ASSIST.org to see 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 BCOE.
-
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirements
Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS).Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see 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.
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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 rather than on IGETC completion. However, the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) does accept completion of IGETC as satisfying the majority of breadth requirements. Additional breadth coursework may be required after enrollment at CNAS.Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to view 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.
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Graduate School of Education Requirements
Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the Graduate School of Education (GSOE).Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see 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.
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School of Business Requirements
Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Business.Prerequisites
Complete community college courses equivalent to seven lower division UCR business major requirements as listed on ASSIST.org.Minimum GPA
Strive to surpass the 2.8 minimum GPA.Learn more about being a School of Business student.
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School of Public Policy Requirements
Breadth Requirements
Complete IGETC or the UCR breadth pattern for the School of Public Policy (SPP).Prerequisites
Use ASSIST.org to see 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.
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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.
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Academic Success
Make a smooth academic transition to UCR with the guidance of faculty and student mentors through first-year programs offered by our colleges and schools to new freshman and transfer students.
For Freshmen:
- Engineering First Year Learning Community (EFLC)
- CHASS F1RST: First-Year Experience Programs
- CNAS Freshman Scholars Learning Communities (FSLC)
Freshman students can also register for Student Life's First Year Mentor Program and connect with experienced/trained student leaders who answer questions and provide support throughout the first year.
For Transfers:
- BCOE Transfer Transition Program
- CHASS Transfers F1rst
- CNAS STEM Connections Program
- School of Business Transfer Student Mentor Program
Get academic support, discover dedicated resources, attend special events and connect with other transfer students through the Transfer Success Program.
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Admitted Students
If you're admitted to UCR, you can ensure a smooth transition by following the next steps for incoming freshmen, fall transfers, and winter transfers.
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Campus Safety
Safety is a top priority at UCR. We have a 24/7, on-campus police department, an emergency notification system that sends text alerts, a no-tolerance policy against sexual violence and secure residence halls with video surveillance, restricted card access and live-in staff. At night, our Community Service Officers patrol halls and parking lots, and Campus Safety Escorts accompany students across campus.
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Career Center
Every quarter, the Career Center offers over 70 events, including career fairs, skill-building workshops, employer information sessions and networking meet-ups with representatives from top companies. Take advantage of programming and resources, such as the Career Center's HandShake tool to search for jobs and internships on campus and off, and the R’Professional Career Closet for professional attire.
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Ethnic & Gender Programs
Discover community, find mentors and develop as a leader with the eight offices that make up Ethnic & Gender Programs:
- African Student Programs
- Asian Pacific Student Programs
- Chicano Student Programs
- LGBT Resource Center
- Middle Eastern Student Center
- Native American Student Programs
- Undocumented Student Programs
- Women's Resource Center
Participate in service projects, educational initiatives and campus celebrations by joining a cultural organization. Learn more about UCR’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Parents/Guardians
As a parent/guardian of a UCR student, you have access to many resources that will help you to support your student during this journey. Learn how to get involved and stay connected, and find out how we will keep your student safe, happy and healthy.
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Student Health & Wellness Services
UCR focuses on all facets of well-being. We offer many campus resources to help you meet all of your goals, such as support groups, tutoring, community service, employment, emergency food resources, sports and health care — which is all included in your tuition.
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Student Life
Have fun and make friends! Student Life offers incredible social opportunities with concerts, music festivals, fun fairs, cultural celebrations, guest speakers, film series, theater productions, poets, performers and more than 450 student organizations!
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Transportation
UCR students can travel Riverside county for free on RTA buses — just show your R'Card! Learn about campus parking, alternative transportation, accessible parking and more from Transportation Services.
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Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Education cultivates student success by providing academic support, experiential learning and research opportunities. Challenge yourself in our rigorous University Honors program. Participate in research projects with our renowned faculty. Intern for a government agency or NGO in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. Create and facilitate your own 1-unit course with R'Courses. Ace your classes and prep for graduate school exams with help from the Academic Resource Center.
Out-of-State Resources
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
Also speaks: Mandarin
Kim Menchavez
International Admissions Specialist
+1 (951) 827-6701
kim.menchavez@ucr.edu
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
Also speaks: Spanish