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


The cost of attending University of California-Riverside varies significantly depending on residency status and level of study, with tuition and fees as key components. For full-time in-state undergraduate students, tuition is $11,834, which ranks in the lower 25% nationwide. However, mandatory fees add $2,336, placing these charges among the higher 30% compared to other institutions. Out-of-state undergraduates face substantially higher tuition costs of $42,611, ranked in the top 20%, with the same fees of $2,336 categorized as average to slightly above average.
Graduate students who are in-state pay $12,264 in tuition, considered average and within the bottom 40% nationally, while their fees reach $2,102, a level ranked in the top 20%. Out-of-state graduate tuition jumps to $27,366, in the top 30% bracket, with fees similar to in-state graduate students at $2,102 but in the top 25% nationwide.
Room and board costs at University of California-Riverside stand out as notably high, amounting to $20,425 annually. This expense is categorized in the top 10% nationally, reflecting a significant portion of the total yearly cost to students who live on campus, where housing capacity is very high with over 8,900 spots available. Additionally, the estimated cost for books and supplies is $1,750 per year, a figure that also ranks above average in the top 20% nationwide.
When considering tuition, fees, and room and board combined, the annual cost for a full-time in-state undergraduate exceeds $34,595. This sum is lower than the average total cost for out-of-state students at four-year public colleges across the United States, which is $44,014, yet higher than the typical expense for in-state students, estimated at $25,707 nationally. The university thus presents a mixed cost profile, with below-average tuition fees for residents but comparatively high housing costs that significantly impact the overall financial burden.
University of California-Riverside offers a variety of work-study opportunities designed to assist students in financing their education while gaining valuable work experience. Eligible students can participate in federally funded work-study programs that provide part-time employment both on and off campus. These jobs are typically flexible to accommodate class schedules and help students build professional skills relevant to their fields of study.
The university employs students in numerous on-campus roles including positions in libraries, administrative offices, research labs, and campus services. These roles not only help students manage their living expenses but also encourage engagement with the university community. Additionally, some work-study positions involve assisting faculty with research projects, providing an excellent opportunity for students aiming to strengthen their academic portfolios.
Internships linked to academic programs may also be available to students through the university's career services, offering paid or unpaid work experiences that complement their studies. Such internships can lead to more specialized career pathways by providing exposure to industry practices and networking opportunities.
While work-study funding primarily supports domestic students, University of California-Riverside provides alternative employment options for international students who may not qualify for federal work-study. International students can seek on-campus jobs funded by the university or participate in curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) programs, which allow for work experience related to their major fields of study under certain visa conditions.
The average wage for work-study students varies depending on the job type and department but generally aligns with federal minimum wage standards or higher. This income helps reduce overall educational costs while enabling students to develop time management and workplace skills critical for their future careers.
Total dormitory capacity
8920Institution provide on-campus housing
YesInstitution provides board or meal plan
YesAny alternative tuition plans offered by institution
YesTuition guaranteed plan
YesPrepaid tuition plan
NoUndergraduate average amount
$19,530All
$21,566Undergraduate average amount
$8,397Graduate average amount
$23,988Students awarded Title IV federal financial aid (2023-2024)
Average net price (income 30,001-48,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$9,615Average net price (income 48,001-75,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$12,449Average net price (income 75,001-110,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$17,297Average net price (income over 110,000)-students awarded Title IV federal financial aid, 2018-19
$29,624