University Of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine admits approximately 25.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 4 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places UC Irvine among selective public research universities, though notably more accessible than the most competitive UC campuses.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights UC Irvine's selectivity relative to typical four-year institutions—applicants face significantly more competition here than at most colleges nationwide. This level of selectivity means that strong academic credentials are essential, though not sufficient on their own.

Many well-qualified students will face disappointment in the admission process simply due to the volume of applications UC Irvine receives. Students considering UC Irvine should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.

The university's 25.6% acceptance rate requires applicants to treat it as a reach or target school, depending on their academic profile. Successful applicants typically demonstrate not just strong test scores and grades, but also compelling personal statements, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and clear fit with UC Irvine's academic programs and campus culture.

University of California-Irvine's published cost of attendance reaches $36,121 per year, including $14,237 in-state tuition, $18,423 for room and board, and $1,550 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,840 after financial aid, representing $23,281 in aid savings.

This substantial discount reflects UC Irvine's commitment to affordability through need-based aid programs. The average net price of $12,840 falls $2,750 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning UC Irvine as more affordable than typical institutions with similar academic profiles.

Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $6,485 for lowest-income families to $29,595 for highest-income families. This $23,110 spread demonstrates progressive aid targeting, with the greatest support directed toward students with the highest financial need.

UC Irvine's affordability index ranks at the 86.1st percentile nationally, reflecting strong performance on cost management and aid effectiveness. Students should note that out-of-state tuition rises to $45,014, substantially increasing costs for non-California residents, though aid programs may offset some of this premium.

UC Irvine graduates demonstrate robust earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $56,210 six years after enrollment to $67,970 at eight years and $80,735 at ten years, representing 44% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 5,784 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $16,437 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UC Irvine at the 92.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $66,200, reflecting strong support for economic advancement. Earnings span from $54,469 at the 25th percentile to $117,372 at the 75th percentile, a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 28% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry. With earnings $20,192 above the peer median, UC Irvine consistently delivers outcomes that exceed expectations for similar public research institutions.

UC Irvine offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Computer Science ranks #23 nationally and #8 in California, producing 805 graduates with median earnings of $111,041 and a value score of 88.0, making it the university's largest program by enrollment.

Behavioral Neuroscience ranks #7 nationally and #4 in California, graduating 698 students with median earnings of $50,813. Business/Managerial Economics ranks #7 nationally and #2 in California, graduating 696 students with median earnings of $66,614.

Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #5 nationally and #2 in California, with 501 graduates earning $53,761. Education, General ranks #1 nationally, graduating 367 students with median earnings of $52,320.

Criminology ranks #2 nationally and #1 in California, reflecting UC Irvine's exceptional strength across diverse academic fields with consistent top-tier national recognition.