UCR students looking at a laptop

Affordable Pathways at UC Riverside

Most Affordable in Southern California

Every student, regardless of income, who dreams big and works hard should be able to graduate from the greatest public university system in the world! Let us show you how to pay for school as a Highlander at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

Most Affordable Prestigious University in SoCal

Based on cost of living and Pell and other Federal Grants given (NCES 2021-22 Data).

UCR is a proud member of the esteemed Association of American Universities (AAU), alongside UCI, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, Caltech, and USC.

85% of UC Riverside Undergrads Awarded Aid

Of those who applied for aid.

Plus, 97% of undergrads who were awarded aid received need-based scholarships and/or grants.

UCR Financial Aid Office, 2023-24

No. 1 for Social Mobility

UCR is nationally recognized for elevating low-income graduates to a higher standard of living.

U.S. News & World Report, 2024-25

5-Stars

One of only 54 universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, to receive a 5-star ranking based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes.

Money Magazine’s 2024 List of Best Colleges, 2024

Value of a UC Riverside Degree

UCR Graduates celebrate at the 2024 Commencement

Find out how valuable a UCR degree can be for more earnings, career options, and employability.

Explore Value

How to Make UC Riverside Affordable

Cost of Attendance

What will it cost YOU?

Each student is different, so look into what your actual costs may be!

COST ESTIMATOR

University of California Tuition Stability Plan

As an incoming UCR Highlander, your tuition will remain flat until you graduate, for up to six years! This makes it easier for you to plan for the cost of achieving a UC degree.

Ready to apply for financial aid?

The very first thing you need to do is complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the March 2 priority deadline. Even if you don’t think you may receive much aid, complete this to confirm your eligibility.

Which one do you complete? The FAFSA is for U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, eligible non-citizens (per FAFSA), and T visa holders. The CADAA is for AB 540/SB 68 eligible California residents who are undocumented, DACAmented, U visa holders, or TPS holders.


“Financial aid has allowed me to achieve and maintain my dream of being in college. Without financial assistance, it would not be possible for me to obtain a four-year degree successfully and comfortably.”
– Maeve, Class of '23

Lower Cost of Living

The cost of living in Riverside is much lower than metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This makes renting or sharing an off-campus apartment or house a lot more affordable.

Aerial view of downtown Riverside, California.

Contact Financial Aid