About University of California-Irvine

Founded in 1965, University of California-Irvine. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 27,331 full time undergraduate students, and 5,423 full time graduate students.

The University of California-Irvine Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1179 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Irvine include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate40%
Application Deadline
Application Fee70
SAT Range1060-1330
ACT Range24-30

Admissions at UCI are considered More Selective, with ,123% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 8 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 96% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Irvine.

University of California-Irvine REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    384 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    333 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    407 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    411 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    413 Students rated class size 3.6 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    410 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    417 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    413 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of California-Irvine?

182 Students rated University of California-Irvine

Elijah - 01/07/2024

UCI has been a really good experience so far. I have only experienced 1 quarter at the time, I am writing this but have learned so much already. It is a great campus with the surrounding areas being equally as nice. It is also a nice and welcoming environment.

Chelsea - 03/28/2023

UC Irvine is a very clique-oriented school. Many students are born and raised in Orange County, some are affluent international students, and some are like me, who are from the state but cannot relate to the culture of UCI. Overall, my experience at UCI has been relatively mediocre as I could not communicate with my professors due to the horrifically large class sizes of 400+ and the lack of relationship-building with the teaching assistants. I felt I was deemed as only a number instead of a student who yearned to learn in their classroom.

Edleen - 03/17/2023

I have a positive opinion of University of California - Irvine, but a huge reason is the community. I've had wonderful professors and befriended or met so many individuals that I see myself maintaining connections with for as long as humanly possible. I've found a sense of belonging at this school.

Ajay - 06/16/2021

I love UCI. It was my top school and it has not disappointed me at all. It has been difficult due to covid but I can say that my first year was not bad. The campus is wonderful and the professors I've had have been excellent. Nothing like the nightmare professors I have heard of. I am excited to finish my degree there.

University of California-Irvine FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of California-Irvine?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Irvine is 40%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    It is tough when you start out, trying to get used to your schedule, locating classes, and getting used to the workload. Becoming to involved in keeping those balanced won't do much to help your own sanity. With that I would certainly go with the cliche but true, "Don't be afraid to be yourself." A lot of college is about finding yourself and setting the desirable niche where you can grow as an individual and develop a strong stance. Follow what you want and don't be afraid about an "in-group" , because there aren't any in college. It is important not to mold yourself into someone you want people to like because there are plenty of people that will come and go, but the ones that like you for who you are will stay and most likely for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid in the beginning to show people who you are. College is an all around learning experience so you need to make sure you set aside time to learn about yourself.

    Read all  466 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Overall the class atmosphere is friendly and easy-going.

    Read all  130 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The University of California - Irvine is a top all-around school, a school where one can find boundless possibilities and quality education that will surely help a student mature and grow.

    Read all  103 answers
  5. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I feel that UC Irvine is open to everybody who applies. I'm not saying that there are qualifications but come to UC Irvine with your game face on because everybody here is pretty competetive in their classes and the professors are pretty helpful.

    Read all  88 answers
  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It really does feel like a bubble, because the troubles outside of Irvine may seem very irrelevant and distant. Perhaps because of it, it is a slightly more conservative campus and within the city, and it is more difficult to garner passion and energy from the city's citizens and the university's students. We don't have much school spirit, and there are a lot of commuters. Anywhere you go you will need a car, public transportation doesn't help. Cost of living is slightly higher, and everything closes around 10pm.

    Read all  87 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Our mascot is undoubtedly one of the most haphazardly chosen mascots in the history of naming: we are Anteaters. Personally, I love it but it does require a taste.

    Read all  86 answers
  8. What's unique about your campus?

    Teachers and course selection.

    Read all  77 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The person that shouldn't attend this school is probably one that doesn't enjoy sunshine, beaches, and is only comfortable with a certain race.

    Read all  70 answers
  10. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    How I am going to pay off my student loans, and how I will pay to live on campus next year.

    Read all  67 answers
  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Tuition goes up every year.

    Read all  65 answers
  12. What are the academics like at your school?

    I have a couple of professors that know my name. They tend to make the effort to bond with the students if they are approached. Professors in the School of Social Sciences are really fun and have many experiences they like to share. Studying is directly proportional to whether you go to class AND pay attention. Class participation is common but very dependent on the professor asking for it. UCI students are very relaxed and tend to leave intellectual conversations to the classroom or for their organizations. Competition is not clearly seen, but it exists. UCI gives plenty of opportunities to get students into the job field they like.

    Read all  65 answers
  13. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    A lot of people called UCI a university for Chinese students or something to that extent. Also, UCI is not considered a 'party school,' but a commuter school where students come and go.

    Read all  65 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    UCI allows for a lot of on campus leadership positions. Students truly can find various ways to get involved as fast as their fall quarter freshman year. Due to the diversity of the campus, people are opened to more ethnicities and races. One thing I would like to see in the near future would be a football team. Athletics are strong at UCI, and just last year (2006-2007) they were awarded the DIVISION I-AAA ALL-SPORTS TROPHY (given to the best all-around sports program in Division I, AAA). The school is growing but currently is at a nice amount of students with 20,000 or so. Not college town but UCI is literary part of Newport Beach, it should be called UC Newport. On campus the best place to go is the student center or right across the street to the University Center. Irvine is a rather calm but nice city in the OC. The beach is just 10 minutes away. Three malls (South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, and Irvine Spectrum) within miles.

    Read all  62 answers
  15. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    The numbers might speak for themselves, but the fact of the matter is that the student population at UCI is by far the most diverse in the UC system. This allows for more opportunities to meet more people and of different backgrounds.

    Read all  60 answers
  16. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The research labs.

    Read all  56 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The basketball games and volleyball games. After the sporting events it could be the dance teams.

    Read all  52 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I often talk about how beautiful the campus is. Aldrich park is overly gorgeous and is a wonderful place to eat, study, and chat with friends. I also often talk about the safety of Irvine. One of safest cities around! I really enjoy the idea of feeling safe, especially when walking back to my car after a late night class gets out.

    Read all  52 answers
  19. What are your classes like?

    A student says one of the best classes he has taken was an ethics class.

    Read all  9 answers
  20. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    If you live in the dorms in Mesa Court you could dine at Mesa Commons. Everyone gets to see this dining location during orientation, but it is like a buffet. You could eat anything you want. If you live in Middle Earth you could eat at Pippin Commons. I could tell you more about Pippin since I live in Middle Earth. Pippin is a lot bigger than Mesa and in my opinion, a lot nicer. They throw these big events for the holidays and you get better food options on these days, plus there are performances by talented singers and dancers from UCI. I'm sure they do these at Mesa too, but like I said, I cannot really tell you much about Mesa. Pippin is also buffet-style. Near Middle Earth, there is also Brandywine Commons. It is the smallest dining area, but sometimes they have really good food. You could go to any of the dining areas although you are not a resident from that particular area. Besides dorm dining options, we have a lot of different places to get some food here or around campus. At the Student Center we have: Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Anthill Pub and Grille (I have not been here yet, but I hear it is a very popular place to hang out and eat), Bene’s pasta, Organice Greens-to-go, Panda Express, Quizno’s, Topio’s Pizza (very good), Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and Wendy’s. We also have Phoenix Food Court, where they sell burritos and other kinds of food. We have BC’s Cavern Food Court and Subway. There are also small places for coffee, snacks, and hot chocolate around campus, such as Café Espresso and Espress Yourself Coffee Cart. At the University Town Center we have Taco Bell, In-N-Out, and Jack in the Box. You could also take the shuttle to Koba and Del Taco. There are unlimited dining options a short drive away from campus as well, including Italian and French restaurants. .

    Read all  7 answers
  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I decided to come to UC Irvine the first time I came to visit the campus. The beauty of the campus just captivated me. Also, knowing that they had the major I wanted convinced me even more. Also, its pretty cool living a few minutes from the beach.

    Read all  6 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

27,331

Total Undergrad Enrollment

5,423

Total Grad Students

2%

Out-Of-State

74%

In-State

24%

International

Organizations

N/A

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

57%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
36%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
26%
% White or Caucasian
14%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

68% of students attending University of California-Irvine receive some sort of financial aid. 41% were awarded federal grants. While 40% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$40,042

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,766

Books and Supplies

$13,429

Room and Board

55,237

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$9,280
$30 - $48K
$10,338
$48 - $75K
$13,820
$75 - $110K
$21,596
$110K & UP
$28,096

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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