Chances of Getting Into University of California, Riverside
Riverside, California • Public University • #76 National • Founded 1954
UCR Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
UCR SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of California, Riverside
UC Riverside is one of America's greatest engines of social mobility — ranked #1 by US News for social mobility. With a highly diverse student body and strong STEM programs, UCR provides UC-caliber education with the most accessible admissions in the system.
Top Programs
What Makes UCR Unique
- #1 in social mobility (US News) — changes lives
- Most diverse campus in the UC system
- School of Medicine admitted first class in 2013
- World-renowned entomology program and citrus research
- Inland Southern California — affordable cost of living
UCR Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
UCR Application Deadlines
How to Get Into UCR: Admission Tips
UC application deadline is November 30
UCR offers guaranteed admission pathways from California community colleges
PIQs matter — show personal growth and resilience
UCR's Honors program offers enhanced opportunities — apply for it
Merit scholarships are available — strong academics are rewarded
The Brutal Truth About UCR Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 66% acceptance rate, UCR rejected over 18,700 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At UCR, having a 3.5 GPA and 1205 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. UCR doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if UCR genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 66%-acceptance-rate basket.
UCR Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Riverside?
University of California, Riverside has an acceptance rate of 66% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 55,000+ applicants, approximately 5,800 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into UCR?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of California, Riverside is 3.5. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.35, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for UCR?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted UCR students is 1100-1310. The average SAT score is 1205. For ACT, the range is 22-29 with an average of 26.
Is UCR hard to get into?
Yes, University of California, Riverside is selective with an acceptance rate of just 66%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does UCR cost?
Tuition at University of California, Riverside is $13,887 per year, with total cost of attendance at $36,800. However, 70% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $22,000+.
What are my chances of getting into UCR?
Your chances of getting into University of California, Riverside depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 66% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at UCR
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