Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given UC Irvine's 25.6% acceptance rate, most applicants—even highly qualified ones—should consider backup options. The alternatives below deliver comparable career outcomes with different admission profiles, geographic locations, or cost structures.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Occidental College (39.9% acceptance, $75,951 median earnings) located 39 miles away in Los Angeles. Pepperdine University admits 49.9% of applicants while producing graduates earning $82,939, though at significantly higher cost. Loyola Marymount University (40.3% acceptance, $78,349 earnings) offers another accessible option 40 miles from UC Irvine with strong career outcomes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students seeking to remain in California should consider UCLA (8.7% acceptance, $82,511 earnings) for those comfortable with even higher selectivity. Scripps College (33.9% acceptance, $77,539 earnings) and Pomona College (6.8% acceptance, $77,779 earnings) are both located approximately 32 miles away, offering liberal arts alternatives with comparable post-graduation outcomes.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
