US University · Ranked #64
University of California, Riverside: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of California, Riverside is a moderately selective university in Riverside, California, admitting around 56% of those who apply. Ranked #64 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UC Riverside is a highly diverse public research university in the Inland Empire, known for its social mobility impact and strengths in agriculture and engineering.
This guide breaks down University of California, Riverside's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of California, Riverside admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 56%
- SAT range
- 1090–1330
- Average GPA
- 3.55
- In-state
- $13,887
- Out-of-state
- $43,659
- Enrollment
- 22,055
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Riverside, California
How hard is it to get into University of California, Riverside?
With 56% of applicants admitted, University of California, Riverside is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of California, Riverside is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of California, Riverside typically score between 1090 and 1330 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1090 and a quarter above 1330. A score at or above 1330 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1210 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.55. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1090) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of California, Riversideapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Nov 30
University of California, Riverside operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Nov 30, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Nov 30 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Nov 30.
Notable programs at University of California, Riverside
- Entomology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Plant Sciences — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
University of California, Riverside is particularly known for Entomology, Business, Engineering, Plant Sciences, and Computer Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of California, Riverside
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Riverside costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,887 per year versus roughly $43,659 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,772 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of California, Riverside an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of California, Riverside: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Riverside?
- University of California, Riverside has an acceptance rate of 56%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of California, Riverside is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of California, Riverside?
- Admitted students at University of California, Riverside typically score between 1090 and 1330 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1330 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1090 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Riverside?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of California, Riverside is approximately 3.55 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.55 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of California, Riverside?
- University of California, Riverside's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Nov 30. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of California, Riverside a public or private university?
- University of California, Riverside is a public university. In-state students from California pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of California, Riverside?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Riverside costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,887 per year versus roughly $43,659 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,772 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.