
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!
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.
University of California Tuition Stability Plan
Beginning fall 2022, tuition will be adjusted for each incoming undergraduate class but will subsequently remain flat until the student graduates, for up to six years. Learn more.
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, complete the Free Application or Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 2 priority deadline. (Applications can still be submitted after March 2.)
Achievement Scholarship
Non-resident/out-of-state first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for the 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
Estimated Costs for Undergraduates
View estimated costs for attending UCR including tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation and more.
UCR Net Price Calculator
Fill out the form at the UCR Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of what your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid package at UCR could be.
Out-of-State Student Stories
From Texas to UCR: Meet Erica
Find out how this Texas-raised and California-educated Highlander gets around campus, sneaks naps, and finds freebies at UCR.
From Florida to UCR: Meet Jackie
Find out where this Florida-raised and California-educated Highlander finds free citrus, zones out, and gets inspired at UCR.
From Washington to UCR: Meet Leah
Find out where this Washington-raised and California-educated Highlander studies, relaxes, and fills food cravings at UCR.
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 First-Year Admission Checklist or the Out-of-State Transfer Admission Checklist.
3.4
Minimum Out-of-State High School GPA Requirement
2.8
Minimum Out-of-State Transfer GPA Requirement
21:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Out-of-State First-Year Students
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 not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.
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Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive review is the process by which UC Riverside (UCR) evaluates first-year 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 first-year 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.
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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.
How to Apply
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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 first-year 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.
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Gather Your Information
Before you begin, find out what important information is needed for an accurate fall/winter admission application.
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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 one required and an additional three out of seven personal insight questions.
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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 First-Year and Transfer Students
Aug. 1
Access the UC application
Oct. 1–Nov. 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 first-year students and fall transfers
March 1
Housing contracts become available
May 1
First-year 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
Priority deadline to submit your FAFSA (applications can still be submitted after March 2)
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 first-year and transfer students.
For First-Year Students:
- Engineering First Year Learning Community (EFLC)
- CHASS F1RST: First-Year Experience Programs
- CNAS Freshman Scholars Learning Communities (FSLC)
First-year 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 Transfer Students:
- 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 first-year students, 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 Centers
Discover community, find mentors and develop as a leader with the eight offices that make up Ethnic & Gender Centers:
- 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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Health, Well-being & Safety
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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Housing
Learn more about the many on-campus housing options for both out-of-state first-year and transfer students.
Learn about our many on-campus residence halls or apartments and decide for yourself which community is perfect for your university lifestyle.
If you're interested in living off-campus, visit our About Riverside page, which describes all the different neighborhoods around the city. Find accommodations that fit your needs and preferences.
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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 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 register for UPASS! 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
Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Mandarin
Max Traylor
International and Out of State Admissions Specialist, Pacific Northwest Region
(951) 827-7229
max.traylor@ucr.edu
Make an Appointment
Gabriel Hernandez
International and Out-of-State Admissions Specialist
(951) 827-5492
gabriel.hernandez3@ucr.edu
Make an Appointment
Also speaks: Spanish
David Dai
Regional International Recruitment Specialist
+1 (951) 827-2708
wei.dai@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Mandarin
Ashley Swengler
International, and Out-of-State Admissions Specialist East Coast Regional (951) 827-1012
ashley.swengler@ucr.edu
Make an Appointment
Jiaxin (Jenny) Deng
International Program Specialist
+1 (951) 827-4113
jiaxin.deng@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Mandarin
Aastha Chhikara
India Regional International Recruitment Advisor
+91.97177.23722
aastha.chhikara@ucr.edu
Also speaks: Hindi