UC Riverside's published cost of attendance reaches $34,975 annually, including $14,170 in-state tuition, $19,433 for room and board, and $1,748 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $13,707 after financial aid, representing savings of $21,268 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $38,942 |
| Tuition and Fees | $49,806 |
| Room and Board | $20,691 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,576 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$24,638 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,304 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,852 |
| $30–48k | $9,840 |
| $48–75k | $13,111 |
| $75–110k | $16,571 |
| $110k+ | $30,393 |
UC Riverside's published cost of attendance reaches $34,975 annually, including $14,170 in-state tuition, $19,433 for room and board, and $1,748 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $13,707 after financial aid, representing savings of $21,268 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price places UC Riverside below the peer median of $15,590, making it $1,883 more affordable than comparable public research universities.
The substantial difference between sticker price and actual cost reflects UC Riverside's commitment to affordability through comprehensive financial aid packaging. For California residents, the relatively modest in-state tuition combined with generous aid programs creates accessible pathways to a UC education. Out-of-state students face higher published tuition of $44,947, though financial aid can significantly reduce actual costs depending on family income and circumstances.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Riverside graduates typically borrow modest amounts to finance their education, with median debt of $17,500 comparing favorably to the peer median of $20,000. Student debt distribution ranges from $7,833 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with minimal borrowing while others require moderate debt levels to complete their degrees.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests manageable debt burdens relative to post-graduation income, with annual loan payments representing approximately one-quarter of first-year earnings. UC Riverside's debt outcomes rank in the 81st percentile nationally, placing it among institutions with strong debt performance relative to peers.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Riverside delivers strong return on educational investment across multiple financial measures. Graduates earn $8,891 beyond expectations relative to student characteristics and program mix, ranking in the 83.6th percentile nationally for value-added earnings performance.
This premium reflects the institution's effectiveness in enhancing student outcomes beyond what demographics alone would predict. Median earnings of $67,699 exceed the peer median by $7,156 annually, representing substantial long-term financial advantage for graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates manageable borrowing relative to income, with typical loan payments consuming a reasonable portion of graduate earnings. Net price of $13,707, combined with earnings performance in the 83rd percentile nationally, creates favorable investment conditions for students across income levels.
UC Riverside's financial aid programs demonstrate strong support for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with average savings of $21,268 reducing published costs to manageable levels for most families. The substantial 46.7% Pell share indicates that nearly half of students receive federal aid designed for lower-income families, reflecting both the institution's accessible pricing and its commitment to serving economically diverse populations.
Financial aid packaging combines federal grants, state Cal Grants, UC grants, and other institutional aid to minimize student debt burden while maintaining educational access. The progressive net price structure, ranging from $8,240 for lowest-income students to $29,624 for highest-income families, demonstrates sophisticated aid targeting that maximizes support for those with greatest financial need.
Net price averaging $13,707 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, indicating that UC Riverside's aid programs achieve better affordability outcomes than typical public research universities. The combination of accessible in-state tuition, comprehensive aid programs, and strong post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for educational investment and long-term financial returns.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,457 with monthly payments of $230, representing additional family investment in student education. The $2,500 advantage compared to peer debt levels demonstrates UC Riverside's success in minimizing student borrowing through comprehensive aid programs and accessible pricing.
