About

About University of California-Irvine

public research universitysocial sciences strengthstem focused

University of California-Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, CA, known for its public research university, social sciences strength, and stem focused. With an acceptance rate of 21%, UC Irvine is highly selective, typically enrolling around 5,664 students each year. UC Irvine is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. UC Irvine meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of California-Irvine acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

21%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of California-Irvine

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UCI uses the UC Personal Insight Questions and rates essays as very important in admissions decisions, so treat all eight prompts seriously and choose the four that show the most distinct, specific sides of who you are. Avoid vague themes and instead anchor each response in a concrete moment, project, or experience unique to your life.
Application Strategy
UCI is highly selective at 21 percent acceptance and some programs like Computer Science and Biological Sciences are even more competitive, so research the specific acceptance rates and requirements for your intended major before you apply. If your target major is especially competitive, consider whether an adjacent major in the same school gives you a stronger entry point while still putting you on your desired path.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of California-Irvine actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of California-Irvine has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of California-Irvine's sticker price of ~$66k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$66k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$66k/yr$15.2k
110k+~$66k/yr$30.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

86%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$56k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
29,921
Undergrad Enrollment
University of California-Irvine Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch