University of California Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
University of California-Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, California, enrolling about 30,197 students. Admission is selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 28.57% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $80,735 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $15,722
- 2024 Average Net Price: $14,251 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 28.57% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 30,197 97.9% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 86.87%
- Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- First-Generation Students: 44.0%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 2.1% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 3.3% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 83.2%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,738
- Applicants (IPEDS): 121,101
- Room & Board: $18,991 annual estimate
University of California-Irvine: what the data shows
Common questions about University of California-Irvine, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine is located in Irvine, CA (ZIP 92697).
NCES locale classification: City.
Is University of California-Irvine public or private?
University of California-Irvine is a Public institution.
How much does University of California-Irvine cost?
Published tuition: $15,722 in-state, $49,922 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $14,251.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $8,123 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $9,313 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,642 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,164 |
| $110,001+ | $30,546 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $62,888.
How hard is it to get into University of California-Irvine?
Admission rate: 28.57%.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is University of California-Irvine?
Total enrollment: 30,197 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 31,738 students.
Graduate enrollment: 7,093 students.
About 98% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Irvine?
150%-time completion rate: 86.87%.
First-year retention: 94.0%.
What do graduates of University of California-Irvine earn?
Median earnings: $56,210 six years after entry; $80,735 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $15,000.
36.10% of students receive Pell grants.
What is University of California-Irvine known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Computer Science (811 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (784 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (585 completions)
- Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (535 completions)
- Psychology, General (499 completions)
- Criminology (496 completions)
- Business/Managerial Economics (493 completions)
- Public Health, Other (378 completions)
- Economics, General (326 completions)
- Political Science and Government, General (288 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is University of California-Irvine a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 28.57%; completion rate 86.87%; median earnings $80,735 at 10 years; net price $14,251. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$15,722
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at University of California-Irvine was $15,722.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$14,251
2024 Value
In 2024 University of California-Irvine had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $14,251.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$57,004 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$14,251 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$62,888 4-Year In-State Tuition
$199,688 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$18,991 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,473 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$36,186 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$144,744 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for University of California-Irvine.
Financial Aid by Income Level
36.10% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
20.33% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at University of California-Irvine was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for University of California-Irvine in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $13,149 | $36,027 | $11,944 |
| 2014 | $13,179 | $36,057 | $12,771 |
| 2015 | $13,252 | $37,960 | $13,647 |
| 2016 | $13,360 | $40,042 | $13,712 |
| 2017 | $13,738 | $41,752 | $13,376 |
| 2018 | $13,700 | $42,692 | $14,604 |
| 2019 | $13,727 | $43,481 | $14,783 |
| 2020 | $13,753 | $43,507 | $12,209 |
| 2021 | $13,775 | $43,529 | $9,691 |
| 2022 | $13,939 | $44,011 | $12,426 |
| 2023 | $14,237 | $45,014 | $12,840 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.57% Acceptance Rate
121,101 Total Applicants
30,962 Students Admitted
6,796 First-Time Students Enrolled
21.95% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution is highly selective, accepting fewer than 3 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
Test score data is not available for this institution.
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
GPA requirements are not published by this institution. Contact the admissions office for specific academic requirements.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
University of California-Irvine reported total enrollment of about 30,197 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 44% male and 56% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes Asian (37.5%), Hispanic or Latino (26.8%), and White (12.8%). About 36.10% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 44.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
97.9% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at University of California-Irvine in 2024 is 30,197 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 31,738 students. Graduate enrollment is about 7,093 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
94.0%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is Asian at 37.5%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
73.44% 100% Completion Time
86.87% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 73.44% of students graduating from University of California-Irvine completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Computer Science: 77% male / 23% female
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 32% male / 68% female
- Business Administration and Management, General: 52% male / 48% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: Asian.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for University of California-Irvine.
Return on Investment
$15,000 Median Student Debt
$80,735 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
18.58% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
1316.30% Return on Investment
1.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for University of California-Irvine.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 135 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Computer Science: 811 completions
2. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 784 completions
3. Business Administration and Management, General: 585 completions
4. Research and Experimental Psychology, Other: 535 completions
5. Psychology, General: 499 completions
6. Criminology: 496 completions
7. Business/Managerial Economics: 493 completions
8. Public Health, Other: 378 completions
9. Economics, General: 326 completions
Most popular programs at University of California-Irvine.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for University of California-Irvine graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for University of California-Irvine from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 83.2%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $19,250
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $29,852
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
University of California-Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, CA, classified as Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Business Administration and Management, General. Enrollment is approximately 30,197 students. Student body composition includes Asian (37.5%), Hispanic or Latino (26.8%), White (12.8%). It is selective, with an admission rate of 28.57%. The 150%-time completion rate is 86.87%. Approximately 36.10% of students receive Pell Grants. About 44.0% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Location
Irvine, CA 92697
Region: Far West
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 86.87% graduation rate, University of California-Irvine demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: University of California-Irvine graduates report median earnings of $80,735 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 135 distinct degree programs, University of California-Irvine provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of California-Irvine located?
University of California-Irvine is located in Irvine, CA.
What is University of California-Irvine's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at University of California-Irvine is 28.6% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 121,101 applicants and 30,962 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does University of California-Irvine cost?
Reported tuition is $15,722 and average net price is $14,251 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $18,991 annually.
What is the student body demographics at University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine reports undergraduate enrollment of about 31,738 students, Asian (37.5%), Hispanic or Latino (26.8%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend University of California-Irvine?
About 44.0% of students at University of California-Irvine are first-generation college students.
What do graduates of University of California-Irvine earn?
Median earnings are $56,210 six years after entry and $80,735 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Irvine?
The 150%-time completion rate is 86.9% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do University of California-Irvine students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $15,000.
Is University of California-Irvine public or private?
University of California-Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, CA.
Is University of California-Irvine an HBCU?
No. University of California-Irvine is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is University of California-Irvine a tribal college?
No. University of California-Irvine is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Is University of California-Irvine a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI)?
By the common federal eligibility proxy used here (≥25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard), yes—University of California-Irvine reports 26.8% Hispanic enrollment share.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- California college costs
- California colleges by ROI
- Irvine, California city profile
- Far West regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in California
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.