The transfer acceptance rate for the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has been around 57% in recent years, making it a relatively accessible option for students looking to transfer into the university. Compared to some other UC campuses, UCR offers a slightly higher chance of acceptance, providing more opportunities for students to continue their education at a prestigious institution in California.

In order to be considered for transfer admission to UCR, students must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.4 for California residents or 2.8 for nonresidents. It is also important for students to complete specific pre-requisite courses that are transferable and worth at least 3 semester (4-5 quarter) units each. Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful transfer application to UCR.

The admission process for UCR involves submitting a completed application through the University of California’s online portal, along with all required materials such as transcripts, test scores, and personal statements. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. By meeting the necessary GPA and course requirements, students can increase their chances of being accepted as a transfer student at UCR.

UCR Transfer Acceptance Rate by Major
How hard is it to transfer to UCR? The transfer acceptance rate for the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has been around 57% in recent years, making it less competitive than some of the other UC campuses in terms of transfer admissions.
Which UC has the highest transfer acceptance rate? UC Davis has one of the highest transfer admit rate in the UC system, reaching 70% for California community college students in fall 2023. Transfer admissions are essential to expanding opportunities for California students.
What is the minimum transfer GPA for UCR? If applying as a transfer student, specific pre-requisite courses must be completed. You must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (California residents) or 2.8 (nonresidents). Each course must be transferable and worth at least 3 semester (4–5 quarter) units.

UCR Transfer Acceptance Rate by Major

How hard is it to transfer to UCR?

The transfer acceptance rate for the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has been around 57% in recent years, making it less competitive than some of the other UC campuses in terms of transfer admissions.

Which UC has the highest transfer acceptance rate?

UC Davis has one of the highest transfer admit rate in the UC system, reaching 70% for California community college students in fall 2023. Transfer admissions are essential to expanding opportunities for California students.

What is the minimum transfer GPA for UCR?

If applying as a transfer student, specific pre-requisite courses must be completed. You must complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (California residents) or 2.8 (nonresidents). Each course must be transferable and worth at least 3 semester (4–5 quarter) units.

About UCR Average GPA By Major

Despite its setting in Southern California, UCR has a distinctly Scottish feel. All residence halls at the University of California—Riverside are named for landmarks in Scotland, including Aberdeen-Inverness and Pentland Hills. Student athletes compete as UCR Highlanders in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference. The school’s original mascot was a live Scottish terrier; today, sports teams are supported by a kilt-clad bear named Scotty. Members of the student Pep Band don plaid berets and sashes as they play the “Brave Scots” fight song at sports matches, and students who play the bagpipes or drums can join the school’s Pipe Band as well.

The UCR Pipe Band has competed in many competitions over the years, including both regional and national events such as Scotland’s World Pipe Band Championships and Northern Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

How to Get Into UC Riverside School of Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2022)

About 70 percent of UCR students are commuters, and freshmen do not have to live on campus. Students may want to hang around after class, however, for notable annual events like the fall Block Party and Spring Splash. There are more than 300 student organizations to check out, too, including about 40 fraternities and sororities. Freshmen can ease into college with the help of the First Year Success Series, a combination of seminars and workshops that teach students study and time management skills. Riverside is in an ideal location for road trips, with Disneyland and Orange County within a 40-mile drive and Los Angeles about 60 miles away.

UCR is one of 10 schools in the University of California system and was the official UC Citrus Experiment Station before becoming a university. In the years since, faculty researchers have bred several new types of fruit, including the Melogold grapefruit and the Golden Nugget orange. Today, the university offers well-regarded graduate programs through the Bourns College of Engineering and Graduate School of Education. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Breen, best-selling mystery novel author Elizabeth George and Nobel Prize-winning chemist Richard Schrock.

Other rankings at this school: Graduate, Global

Undergraduate Information
Alumni Starting Salaries
Below are the median starting salaries by major for alumni of University of California–Riverside.

Median starting salary of alumni *
$48,300*
By major

Social Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Psychology
Engineering
Show All 21 Salaries by Major »
Data provided by . Last updated 2017.
Applying
When applying to University of California–Riverside, it’s important to note the application deadline is Nov. 30. The application fee at University of California–Riverside is $70. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due July 15. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 66 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.

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Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at University of California–Riverside is 22:1, and the school has 19.7 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of California–Riverside include: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Psychology; and Engineering. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 90 percent.

Class sizes
Classes with fewer than 20 students19.7%
20-4949.8%
50 or more30.5%
Student-faculty ratio
22:1
4-year graduation rate
47%
Total faculty
See full Academic Life details »
Student Life
University of California–Riverside has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,799, with a gender distribution of 46 percent male students and 54 percent female students. At this school, 34 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 66 percent of students live off campus. In sports, University of California–Riverside is part of the NCAA I.

Student gender distribution
54%
Female
Total enrollment
22,921
Collegiate athletic association
NCAA I
Full-time degree-seeking students
See full Student Life details »

Cost & Financial Aid
At University of California–Riverside, 78 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $18,289.

Paying for college doesn’t have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.

University of California Riverside School of Medicine » Dr. Najeeb Lectures

Financial aid statistics
In-state tuition and fees
$13,917 (2017-18)
Out-of-state tuition and fees
$41,931 (2017-18)
Room and board
$15,500 (2017-18)
Minimum credits per term a student can take for full-time tuition price
See full Cost & Financial Aid details »
Campus Safety
Campus safety data were reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and have not been independently verified. The numbers for criminal offenses reflect reports of alleged offenses to campus security and/or law enforcement authorities, not necessarily prosecutions or convictions. Experts advise prospective students and their families to do their own research to evaluate the safety of a campus as well as the surrounding area.

See full Campus Safety details »

Campus Services
University of California–Riverside offers a number of student services, including nonremedial tutoring, women’s center, placement service, day care, health service, health insurance. University of California–Riverside also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.). Of the students at University of California–Riverside, 40 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at University of California–Riverside.

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.

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

UCR Transfer Acceptance Rate By Major

	Living with Parents	Living in Residence Halls	Living in Campus Apartments	Living off Campus
Systemwide Tuition and Fees ¹	$12,570	$12,570	$12,570	$12,570
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	$57,684	$67,559	$61,984	$61,984

New freshmen only: Add the $65 mandatory Highlander Orientation Fee to the total.
New transfers only: Add the $65 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 = $46,509; fees if SHIP is waived = $44,735

Some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year 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. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.

Notes:

¹Tuition, 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.

²The 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.

³You 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 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.

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 Freshman Admission Checklist or the Out-of-State Transfer Admission Checklist.

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.

UC Riverside will no longer use standardized exam scores (ACT/SAT) in our comprehensive review and selection process for the fall 2022 admission cycle. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used to determine your eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.

Welcome to UCR’s Major Preparation Guide. The Major Preparation Guide outlines the selecting major requirements that must be satisfied for your desired major. Not all majors will be listed on this guide, for Majors Agreements not listed please refer to ASSIST.org 2019-20 agreements.

UCR will continue to honor the 2019-20 course-to-course articulation data on ASSIST.org. ASSIST.org should be referenced with the Major Preparation Guide to ensure you will satisfy the selecting major requirements.

Biochemistry, B.A. /B.S.
Bioengineering, B.S.
Biology, B.A. /B.S.
Business Administration, B.S.
Business Economics, B.A.
Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, B.A. /B.S.
Chemical Engineering, B.S.
Chemistry, B.A. /B.S.
Computer Engineering, B.S.
Computer Science with Business Applications, B.S.
Computer Science, B.S.
Earth Science, B.S.
Economics, B.A.
Economics/Administrative Studies, B.A.
Electrical Engineering, B.S.

Entomology, B.A /B.S.
Environmental Engineering, B.S.
Environmental Sciences, B.A /B.S.
Geology, B.S.
Geophysics, B.S.
Materials Science and Engineering, B.S.
Mathematics, B.A /B.S.
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers, B.S.
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Microbiology, B.S.
Neuroscience, B.A /B.S.
Psychology, B.A. and B.S.
Physics, B.A /B.S.
Plant Biology, B.A /B.S.
Statistics, B.A./ B.S.

Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering
Majors with Selecting Requirements for 2019-2020:

Bioengineering, B.S.
All majors in the Bourns College of Engineering are selective, based on academic preparation and GPA in all transferable coursework, with a minimum GPA of 2.80.