Invest In Your Future. Get a UC Riverside Degree.
Enjoy more earnings, career options, and employability as a Highlander! You’ll be part of one of the most diverse student bodies at a top-tier research university in the United States and have a home within the University of California system, one of the world’s premier public universities. Explore outcomes shared by faculty and alumni who are making bold and brilliant impacts in their professions and communities.
Top-Tier Research University
Graduate with skills and experiences desired by employers.
UC Riverside is a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), alongside institutions like Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. UCR is also the most affordable AAU in Southern California!
A Best Value College
Based on return on investment including academics, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates.
Princeton Review, 2024
Top 1.3% of Universities Worldwide
Based on those who applied for aid.
2024 Center for World University Rankings
Determined to find an alternative to fossil fuels, Charles invented co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation (CELF). This innovative biomass pretreatment technology has shown that it’s possible to create cost-effective fuels from biomass and lignin, and help curb carbon emissions.
Charles Cai
Associate Researcher and Adjunct UCR Professor
Affordable Pathways
Hear From Young Alumni
UCR opened doors for Sirina Nabhan (’17, Electrical Engineering), such as getting a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) internship and later, full-time employment.
Joshua Tejada (’23, Biology) created the Mi Doctora Foundation to provide scholarships to students who lost legal guardians.
Councilmember Philip Falcone (’20, Gender Studies) uses his degree to serve the Riverside community.
Outcomes for Recent Graduates
Explore the 2022 earnings for Class of ’21 working in California. These careers represent a handful of UCR’s undergraduate programs. Check out all 150+ majors and minors to suit your interests and dream career.
| Computer Science | $115,009 |
| Computer Engineering | $106,416 |
| Electrical Engineering | $92,705 |
| Economics/Administration Studies | $78,704 |
| Chemical Engineering | $78,697 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $76,748 |
| Bioengineering | $72,651 |
| Business Administration | $70,043 |
| Business Economics | $69,757 |
| Public Policy | $64,790 |
| Chemistry | $60,825 |
| Political Science/International Studies | $60,292 |
Source: UC’s Alumni at Work, Undergraduate Degree Only, Percentile (75) of Annual Earnings
Long-Run Outcomes for UC Riverside Alumni
Explore the educational experience and broad economic successes of UCR graduates and their contributions to the state of California.
25%
A quarter of UCR alums earn over $200K per year by their mid-career.
20%
Almost 20% begin their careers in finance and business services.
15%
About 15% spend the middle of their careers working in public administration.
Fast-Track Your Goals
Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA)
First-year students can earn units before the first-year fall quarter. This means you could graduate early and jump into your career (and earn money) sooner than your peers.
Learn More >>UC Riverside School of Medicine Pathway Programs
Helps students, from high school through college, along the path toward a career in health and medicine.
Learn More >>Accelerated Programs
Get a bachelor’s and master’s degree with a five-year study plan in engineering (choose from six programs), public policy, entomology, or statistics.
Learn More >>Summer Sessions
Incoming and current students can fulfill prerequisites, major requirements, and build new skills to advance your career.
Learn More >>Get Career Ready
Hands-On Experiences
Apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. We’ll help you build a competitive resume, prepare for the workforce, and even win national and international awards!
- 150+ majors, minors, and accelerated programs
- Faculty-mentored research as early as your first year
- Internships to test out career paths
- Education Abroad opportunities for experiential learning
Career Guidance
UCR’s Career Center is your go-to for career guidance throughout your university experience and well beyond graduation. Students visit early and often to maximize outcomes.
- Career counseling
- Jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities
- Career fairs, workshops, info sessions, and networking events
- Resources for ethnic- and gender-specific populations
The Journey to Graduate School
As you work toward your undergraduate degree, you might decide that graduate/professional school is your next step. UCR’s colleges/schools, programs, and Career Center can help you find the right program and apply.
Ariana's Undergrad Experiences:
- Participated in undergraduate research and lab activities, and co-authored publications.
- Took part in the Early Assurance Program, a portal into the UCR School of Medicine's Thomas Haider Program.
- Got involved with student organizations and campus activities.
Faves at UC Riverside:
- Resource: UCR School of Medicine’s Future Physicians Leaders Program — this inspired Ariana’s pursuit of a Master's in Public Health at Columbia University!
- Experience: American Medical Student Association (Served as treasurer)
- Tip: Engage with peers and professors. It’s important for learning and to discover new knowledge and resources.
Ariana Emami
Class of ’22, Biochemistry
Build Your Network
As a UCR Highlander, you’ll build a broad network of mentors and colleagues with faculty, staff, and students. After graduation, you’ll have access to the UCR Alumni Association, a network of more than 143,000 Highlanders with annual events and resources to help you find your first job after graduation!
“UC Riverside opened unique doors of opportunity for me, such as fostering connections through its extensive alumni network and providing resources for pursuing my entrepreneurial endeavors, ultimately propelling my career forward.”
Taylor Pollard
Class of ’16, Art (Studio)
Flexin' In My Complexion
Apparel Designer and Activist
