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


University of California-Riverside supports a range of athletic programs that compete primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big West Conference. The institution fields teams in sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, providing student-athletes with competitive opportunities at a high level. The school's athletic infrastructure includes facilities designed to support training and hosting of intercollegiate competitions.
UC Riverside emphasizes student-athlete development both on and off the field, aiming to balance athletic commitments with academic success. The university promotes a culture of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth through its sports programs, which are accessible to both men and women across various disciplines.
While the university does not sponsor a football program, its other collegiate sports have cultivated regional recognition and offer several scholarship opportunities. Prospective students interested in participating in athletics at UC Riverside can expect a supportive environment that encourages athletic excellence and holistic education.
University of California-Riverside offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among the active groups are the American Medical Student Association, which supports students pursuing medical careers, and Healthy Hearts, focusing on wellness initiatives. Project Sunshine engages students in community service activities, while the Vietnamese Student Association provides cultural programming and support for its members. The American Red Cross chapter allows students to participate in humanitarian efforts.
Approximately 53% of the student body is involved in these or other social organizations, reflecting a strong culture of student engagement. The university's total enrollment includes 10,120 men and 11,335 women, with 3% of men and 4% of women participating in such groups.
The University of California-Riverside hosts a large and diverse student body with a notably high number of freshmen enrollment, reaching 5,521 new students, placing it in the top 5% nationally for freshman intake size. Transfer students also form a significant part of the population, with 1,249 transfers, ranking the university in the top 20% for transfer enrollment. Overall, the total student enrollment is substantial, with 6,770 students, landing UC Riverside again in the top 5% for total enrollment size.
The student demographic is predominantly composed of in-state residents, who make up 95% of the student body-a comparatively high proportion that positions the university in the top 15% nationwide for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students represent a much smaller fraction, just 1%, which is low relative to other institutions and ranks in the bottom 15%. Domestic students from within the United States but not from California comprise 96%, aligning with an average level nationally in terms of their representation. International students come from a variety of countries, making up about 4% of the student population, which is considered an average share compared to other universities.
Ethnic diversity at the institution features several prominent groups. Hispanic students form a particularly large segment, numbering 9,048, placing UC Riverside in the top 5% nationally for this demographic. Asian students also constitute a major portion with 8,122 individuals, ranking the university at the very top percentile nationally. Students identifying with two or more races number 1,123, a figure that is also very high in national comparison. Other groups include African American students at 793, white students at 2,330, and smaller populations of Native American, Pacific Islander, and unknown ethnicity students, all within average ranges compared to other universities.
Age distribution among students reveals a concentration of traditional undergraduate ages. The majority of undergraduate students are between 18 and 21 years old, with 10,012 aged 18 to 19 and 8,301 aged 20 to 21. There are also younger undergraduates below 18, tallying 846 students. Graduate students tend to be older, with a larger cohort aged from 22 up to 39 and beyond. In particular, there is a significant number of graduate students aged 22 to 29, totaling 2,735, and noteworthy populations extending into their 30s and 40s, indicating a broad age range among advanced degree seekers.
Student life at University of California-Riverside offers a range of activities and services that support both academic and personal growth. The campus spans 1,200 acres, providing ample space for various student engagements and outdoor experiences. Students can participate in campus drama productions, enjoy the campus newspaper, listen to the campus radio, or join the campus chorus, fostering a vibrant cultural environment.
Although there is no campus band or television station, the available activities create a dynamic social atmosphere. In terms of support services, the university provides dedicated legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and an office for veterans, ensuring that students have access to essential resources for their well-being.
The campus also hosts a women's center, contributing to an inclusive environment that addresses diverse student needs. This range of extracurricular options and support structures enhances the overall student experience, accommodating a wide spectrum of interests and providing vital assistance throughout their studies.
The University of California-Riverside boasts a comprehensive library system centered around the Tomas Rivera Library, complemented by four additional libraries. This total of five libraries places the institution comfortably within the top 10% nationwide for the number of libraries available to students, offering a rich array of research and study spaces.
With a collection exceeding 1.7 million physical books, the university's resources are extensive and rank in the top 10% among comparable institutions. Students also benefit from more than 1.9 million ebooks, positioning the digital book holdings in the top 5% nationally, which supports a broad range of academic inquiries and remote access needs.
The library system maintains over 57,000 subscriptions to academic journals and publications, reflecting a high level of resource access, and provides over 300,000 digital subscriptions, which is considered average by peer standards. However, its database offerings number 573, which places it below the median percentile among universities.
Students have access to well-equipped physical study facilities, including reservable study rooms and all-day access to the libraries, ensuring flexible environments for individual and group work. The university also offers staff trained to assist with research needs and digital access to collections, including shared resources beyond the campus.
The libraries collectively ensure approximately 92 hours of weekly service, which together with consistent established operating hours, facilitates convenient access to materials and study spaces throughout the academic week.
Total enrollment
26384Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
5256Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
1021 full time, 188 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Tomas Rivera LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
5Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes