University of California, Riverside Campus

2025 admissions data

University of California, Riverside Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 76.9% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 77 actually get in. No guessing. University of California, Riverside is a UNIV institution located in Riverside, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The University of California, Riverside is ideal for students who value a diverse and inclusive academic environment while pursuing a range of undergraduate majors. If you thrive in lively, collaborative settings and seek opportunities for research and community engagement, Riverside's offerings will resonate. However, if you're looking for intense specialization in a single field or a strictly competitive atmosphere, you might not find as much satisfaction here. The balance of academics and campus life can come with the trade-off of fewer resources for deeply specialized programs compared to other universities. Students who appreciate a more well-rounded educational experience, wedged comfortably between academic rigor and social engagement, will likely find a good fit here.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

72.5%

Acceptance Rate

Women

80.5%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

57,714

Admitted

44,356

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose University of California, Riverside. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

MathN/A

ReadingN/A

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the University of California, Riverside Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at University of California, Riverside offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 76.9% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At University of California, Riverside, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at University of California, Riverside is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

One key factor at UC Riverside that is often overlooked is the impact of the university's diverse student body on academic experience and personal growth. The high percentage of African American and Latino students fosters a rich cultural exchange, which broadens perspectives and customizes social dynamics within classrooms. This diversity not only enhances group projects and discussions but also influences networking opportunities beyond campus. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds can lead to a more nuanced understanding of global issues, which prepares students for diverse workplaces. However, this advantage comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of group work. Some students may struggle with differing communication styles or cultural nuances, impacting collaboration quality. It’s essential to engage proactively in these student interactions, as they can ultimately shape your educational journey and personal development. Moreover, the university’s balanced program strength facilitates a wide array of majors, making it easier for students to explore multiple interests. This can be both a blessing and a curse; while students have the freedom to change paths without severe consequences, it can also lead to indecision or a lack of depth in a chosen field if not managed wisely. In terms of academic advising, UC Riverside offers resources that students should leverage. Having access to knowledgeable advisors can help navigate the wealth of options available, especially for those who feel overwhelmed. Ultimately, the combination of diversity and flexible majors can complement personal growth, but it requires diligence, adaptability, and an openness to learning from others.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $80

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html

Your Chances of Getting Into University of California, Riverside

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at University of California, Riverside based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Should University of California, Riverside Be on Your College List?

By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether University of California, Riverside belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.

Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.

Making a Balanced Application Decision

Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place University of California, Riverside into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.

What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.

Should You Apply to University of California, Riverside?

If 76.9% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore University of California, Riverside

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About University of California, Riverside Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate and admission requirements for UC Riverside?

UC Riverside has an acceptance rate of 63%. Admission requirements include a completed application, high school diploma or equivalent, and standardized test scores, which may vary depending on current policies.

How much does it cost to attend UC Riverside, and what financial aid is available?

In-state tuition for UC Riverside is approximately $14,170. The university is recognized for offering excellent financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

What are the most popular majors and academic programs at UC Riverside?

UC Riverside offers over 80 undergraduate majors. Popular programs include those in the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences, attracting a diverse range of interests.

What research opportunities are available for undergraduate students?

UC Riverside provides numerous research opportunities across various disciplines. Students can participate in projects at centers like the Brain Game Center and engage in hands-on learning alongside faculty.

What is the student body diversity like at UC Riverside?

The student body at UC Riverside is notably diverse, with a high percentage of African American and Latino students, fostering an inclusive environment that enriches the academic and social experience.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

University of California, Riverside isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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