,·Public Research University·Est. 1965
“Brilliant Future.”
UC Irvine (UCI) is a top-ranked public research university and one of the ten campuses of the University of California system. Founded in 1965, UCI has risen rapidly to national prominence with particular distinction in biological sciences, computer science, chemistry, and environmental sciences. The university's faculty include five Nobel Prize winners and a Fields Medal recipient. UCI is consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the United States and is one of the youngest universities to achieve such recognition. The Paul Merage School of Business offers excellent undergraduate and MBA programs. The Henry Samueli School of Engineering offers top-ranked programs in computer science, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. The Claire Trevor School of the Arts is a vibrant performing and visual arts program. The university's research is particularly distinguished in areas including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and biomedical research. UCI has strong connections to Orange County's growing technology and healthcare industries, and its proximity to Los Angeles provides access to the entertainment, finance, and technology sectors. UCI's campus in the city of Irvine is one of the safest in the United States — Irvine consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in America. The campus features a distinctive circular design centered on Aldrich Park, a beautiful green space surrounded by academic buildings. The surrounding Orange County region offers exceptional quality of life with mild weather, beaches, and world-class outdoor recreation.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Top Public Schools
US News 2026
QS World University Rankings
QS 2026
Times Higher Education World Rankings
THE 2025
Forbes America's Top Colleges
Forbes 2025
Computer Science
US News 2026
Biological Sciences
US News 2026
Chemistry
US News 2026
Environmental Science
US News 2026
Test Free — No test scores needed — they won't be reviewed even if submitted.
Official SourceFall Freshman Application
UC system deadline; decisions mid-March
This university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$14,312
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$44,066
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
A world-class biology school with strong research programs and exceptional faculty.
A strong engineering school with top-ranked programs in computer science and biomedical engineering.
Offers rigorous programs in economics, political science, and cognitive science.
A growing business school with strong MBA and undergraduate business programs.
4 years
The only standalone School of Information and Computer Sciences in the UC system. Nationally recognized for software engineering, HCI, and game design (UCI hosts a top-ranked esports arena). STEM OPT designated — graduates feed Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Blizzard, and Southern California's tech/aerospace corridor.
4 years
UCI's largest undergraduate school with ~5,000 students; the most selective major on campus, feeding the UCI School of Medicine, UCLA/USC medical pipelines, and major biotech firms (Edwards Lifesciences, Allergan, Amgen).
4 years
AACSB-accredited and STEM-designated undergraduate business degree, with concentrations in Information Systems, Accounting, and Finance. Graduates recruit heavily with Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, and Pacific-Rim tech.
4 years
UCI has the nation's top-ranked Criminology program (per US News), driven by a dedicated school rather than a sociology subdivision. Strong law-school and federal-agency placement.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $49,679
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
