
900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521-0102, USA


The University of California-Riverside is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation assures that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in areas such as academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support services, and institutional integrity.
The accreditation by WSCUC affirms that the University of California-Riverside maintains rigorous academic standards required for awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also signifies a commitment to continuous institutional improvement and accountability, ensuring the university's obligations to its students and stakeholders are met.
In addition to the institution-wide accreditation, several academic programs at the University of California-Riverside hold specialized accreditations. These program-specific accreditations further validate the quality and relevance of particular fields of study offered by the university.
University of California-Riverside requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or equivalent. Admission necessitates submission of secondary school records and a qualifying grade point average. While the university recommends indicating class rank and providing recommendation letters, these are not mandatory. Applicants must have completed an accredited college preparatory program and demonstrate English proficiency through a required TOEFL score. Although not compulsory, submission of admission test scores beyond TOEFL, such as SAT or ACT, and evidence of academic competencies are encouraged.
The University of California-Riverside charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their admissions materials. This fee covers processing costs associated with evaluating applications. However, the institution offers fee waivers to certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet other eligibility criteria, helping to reduce barriers for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if their family income falls below specified thresholds or if they participate in programs aimed at supporting disadvantaged students. These waivers are intended to promote equitable access to higher education by alleviating the financial burden of application fees. The university encourages prospective students to review the eligibility requirements and apply for waivers through the official admissions process where possible.
Overall, the application fee structure and available waivers at University of California-Riverside reflect the university's commitment to inclusive admissions practices, ensuring that prospective students can pursue admission opportunities without undue financial obstacles.
University of California-Riverside offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through arrangements with cooperating host institutions. While the campus itself does not host an ROTC branch unit, prospective students have the opportunity to participate in ROTC training and coursework by attending a partnered institution that maintains an active unit. This setup allows students to pursue military training and leadership development alongside their academic studies without the presence of an on-campus ROTC detachment.
University of California-Riverside allows transfer students to apply for admission for the fall and winter terms. While it accepts transfer credits, specifics about acceptance of CLEP or DANTES exams are not available. The institution considers recommendations as part of its evaluation process. Gaining admission is classified as very difficult, indicating a highly competitive transfer environment.
University of California-Riverside offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic experience while immersing them in different cultures. The programs range from short-term faculty-led courses to semester-long exchanges and internships across numerous countries, allowing students to tailor their international experience according to their academic goals and personal interests.
The faculty-led programs typically provide intensive coursework abroad during the summer or winter sessions, combining classroom learning with cultural excursions. These are ideal for students seeking to gain global perspectives without extensive time away from campus. Meanwhile, semester-long or year-long study abroad options enable deeper engagement by attending partner institutions worldwide, often granting students credit toward their degree programs.
Additionally, the university facilitates internship placements abroad, offering practical work experience in diverse professional settings while enhancing cross-cultural competencies. These internships complement academic studies and foster career development in a global context.
Advising services at University of California-Riverside support students throughout the process - from selecting appropriate programs to preparing for departure and re-entry - ensuring that their study abroad experience aligns with their educational and career objectives.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter