University of California-Irvine
University of California-Irvine has an acceptance rate of 28.6%, annual tuition of $15,722, average net price of $14,251, and a national rank of #50 (Grade A), with a 86.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 30,197 undergraduates, and median earnings of $74,438 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of California-Irvine is a public university in Irvine, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Management Information Systems and Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 94.0% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 121.2%, roughly 71.3 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.
Who is University of California-Irvine Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Irvine graduates 86.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 87.2% and keeps 94.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Irvine's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,722 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,473 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,991 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,692 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,632 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 36.1% of University of California-Irvine students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $8,123 to $30,546 depending on family income. Use University of California-Irvine's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,164/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,546/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $74,438
- 10-Year Median Earnings $80,735
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 77.6%
- Employment Rate 91.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Irvine graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of California-Irvine vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Irvine's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Irvine's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Irvine graduates report median earnings of $74,438 four years after graduation, +23% above the national median. The 121.2% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 30,197
- Full-Time Students 97.9%
- Part-Time Students 2.1%
- Retention Rate 94.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 86.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 87.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into University of California-Irvine
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Irvine requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 28.6%, University of California-Irvine is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Irvine accepts 28.6% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Irvine undergraduates. Computer Science, Biology, General, and Research and Experimental Psychology draw the most students.
- Computer Science 8.6%
- Biology, General 8.3%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 7.5%
- Business/Managerial Economics 7.5%
- Public Health 5.4%
- Economics 4.7%
See more majors
- Criminology 4.6%
- Education, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $132,705
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $129,344
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $122,422
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $118,467
- 5. Computer Engineering $115,244
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $109,350
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $103,261
- 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $102,765
- 9. Chemical Engineering $102,280
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $95,534
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $246,519
- 2. Physics (Doctoral Degree) $159,892
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $150,439
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $148,476
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $146,412
- 6. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $143,998
- 7. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $142,294
- 8. Law (First Professional Degree) $136,056
- 9. Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degree) $123,979
- 10. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $117,065
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $132,705—39% more than Mechanical Engineering ($95,534). Graduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services programs lead with $246,519 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of California-Irvine. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 805 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 770 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 698 graduates)
- Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 696 graduates)
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree, 501 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (71 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Public Health
- Economics
- Criminology
- Education, General
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sociology
- International/Global Studies
- Chemistry
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- History
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Chemical Engineering
- Human Biology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Philosophy
- Dance
- Journalism
- Materials Engineering
- Social Sciences, General
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Area Studies
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Music
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cognitive Science
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Genetics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Environmental Design
- Engineering, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Online Master's Degrees (76 programs)▼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Statistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Public Health
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Mathematics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Materials Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Demography and Population Studies
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering, General
- Sociology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Education, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Dance
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Music
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Systems Science and Theory
- Political Science and Government
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Anthropology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Computational Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Cognitive Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Education, General
- Sociology
- Physics
- Economics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Engineering
- Public Health
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Materials Engineering
- Philosophy
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Statistics
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- History
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Cognitive Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Criminology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Music
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Chemical Engineering
- Systems Science and Theory
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Sciences, Other
- Public Policy Analysis
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Environmental Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Computational Science
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Education, General
- Chemistry
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 30,197
- Full-Time Students 97.9%
- Part-Time Students 2.1%
- Male Students 43.9%
- Female Students 56.1%
- Caucasian 12.8%
- Asian 37.5%
- Hispanic 26.8%
- Black 1.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Irvine's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Irvine's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Irvine support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Irvine, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Irvine has a diverse student body, with 12.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Irvine support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Irvine, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Irvine delivers an impressive 121.2% return on investment while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #50 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 86.9% graduation rate and $74,438 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $14,251 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 94.0% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of California-Irvine's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | National Rank: #50 of 1947 | 97.5/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $14,251 annually, University of California-Irvine costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 121.2% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($74,438 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 162 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of California-Irvine balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 86.9% graduation rate sits 24.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 94.0% first-year retention is 17.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 121.2% return on investment is 71.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $74,438 run about 23% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,251 is roughly $5,828 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.5% employment rate within three years sits 23.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Irvine, CA, University of California-Irvine operates as a public university and receives a A from EDsmart. It stands at #50 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
94.0% of learners come back after year one while 86.9% graduate within 150% of normal time (87.2% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 121.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,251 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,632.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,381 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $74,438 four years after graduation. That sits about 23% above the national median.
Roughly 91.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 121.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
28.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Irvine admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-Irvine's acceptance rate?
University of California-Irvine's acceptance rate is 28.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of California-Irvine cost?
At University of California-Irvine, listed tuition and fees are $15,722 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,251. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-Irvine's ranking?
University of California-Irvine ranks #50 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-Irvine's graduation rate?
At University of California-Irvine, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 86.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 87.2%, and first-year retention is 94.0%.
What are University of California-Irvine's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Irvine report median earnings of $74,438 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-Irvine's student population?
University of California-Irvine enrolls about 30,197 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Irvine, CA 92697
- Website www.uci.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$795.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate4.6%