University of California Irvine (UCI) Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 09/2022)

The University of California Irvine is a public research university in Irvine, California, known for its outstanding academic programs. In 2021, U.S. News and World Report named UCI the 9th best public school in the country. Read on to learn about the admissions requirements, the UCI acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

In 2021-2022, UC Irvine tuition and other expenses were as follows:

•  In-state tuition: $13,775, a 0.2% increase over the previous year

•  Out-of-state tuition: $43,529, a 0.1% over the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,319, a 3.1% decrease over the previous year

•  On-campus room and board: $16,869, a 1.2% increase over the previous year

•  Other fees: $4,339, a 2.1% increase over the previous year

•  Off-campus room and board: $14,681, a 4.6% increase over the previous year

Total costs, then, are as follows:

•  In-state on-campus totals: $36,302, an increase of 0.7% over the previous year

•  In-state off-campus totals: $35,022, an increase of 2.2% over the previous year

•  Out-of-state on-campus totals: $66,056, an increase of 0.4% over the previous year

•  Out-of-state, off-campus totals: $64,787, an increase of 1.2% over the previous year

Financial Aid

In 2020-2021, 79% of first-time, full-time students at University of California Irvine received some sort of financial aid, including student loans. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 78% of students received this aid with an average award of $16,868

•  Federal grants: 75% of students received this aid with an average award of $3,922

•  Pell grants: 39% of students received this aid with an average award of $5,628

•  Other federal grants: 74% of students received this aid with an average award of $963

•  State/local: 52% of students received this aid with an average award of $11,225

•  Institutional: 60% of students received this aid with an average award of $7,401

•  Student financial aid:19% of students received this aid with an average amount of $5,258

•  Federal student aid: 18% of students received this aid with an average amount of $4,696

•  Other student aid: 2% of students received this aid with an average amount of $7,702

UCI has a Native American Opportunity Plan, which means that tuition and students’ service fees are fully covered if applicants are from California and enrolled in federally recognized tribes: Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2020-2021, 2% of students at UCI received private student loans with an average amount of $7,702.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

In 2021-2022, UC Irvine tuition for students in-state was $13,775. At this rate, four years of tuition would equal $55,100 if no price increases occurred.

For out-of-state students, tuition was $43,529. Four years at this rate would cost $174,116.

The good news: UCI has had only slight increases in both in-state and out-of-state tuition over the past few years.

Here’s some California Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2021-2022, these were the tuition and total expense costs for UCI:

•  In-state tuition: $13,775

•  Out-of-state tuition: $43,529

•  In-state, on-campus totals: $36,302

•  In-state, off-campus totals: $35,022

•  Out-of-state, on-campus totals: $66,056

•  Out-of-state, off-campus totals: $64,787

In comparison, the average 2020-2021 total expenses for a four-year public university were $25,700 for students in state, and $26,000 for students out of state.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2021-2022, UC Irvine tuition for graduate students was:

•  In-state tuition: $11,442

•  In-state fees: $1,914

•  In-state total: $13,356

Out-of-state:

•  Out-of-state tuition: $26,544

•  Out-of-state fees: $1,914

•  Out-of-state total: $28,548

In 2019-2020, the average tuition for graduate school at a public university was $12,410. This makes UCI in-state tuition 7.6% higher, and out-of-state tuition 129% higher. Graduate loans can help with this cost.

Cost per Credit Hour

Based on the 2021-2022 tuition at UCI and 15 credit hours per semester, the undergraduate cost per credit hour at UC Irvine would be $459.17 for students in state, and $1,450.97 for out-of-state students.

Using that same formula for graduate tuition and number of credit hours, the cost for graduate students per credit hour would be $381.40 for those in-state, and $1884.80 for those out of state.

Campus Housing Expenses

In 2021-2022, housing expenses at University of California Irvine were as follows:

•  On-campus room and board: $16,869

•  Off-campus room and board: $14,681

The university has an off-campus housing website to help you explore your living options.

University of California Irvine Acceptance Rate

In fall 2021, 107,950 prospective students applied. The UCI acceptance rate was 29%.

Admission Requirements

Interested students can apply here. Students must have a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in required subjects with no grades below a “C.” UCI does not consider SAT or ACT scores during the admissions or scholarship process. Additional factors that may be considered: are special talents, awards, achievements; and special life circumstances that applicants have been able to rise above. Students should apply from October 1 through November 30 for fall admission in the following year.

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of California Irvine does not use SAT or ACT scores for admission purposes.

Popular Majors at UCI

In 2021, 9,500 undergraduates completed their degrees. Here are some of the most popular majors.

1. Computer Science

UCI provides a strong foundation in architecture/systems, algorithms, data structures, and mathematical foundations and theories. In 2021, 8.5% of graduating undergraduates earned a computer science degree.

2. Biology

The university offers a BS in biological sciences and a BS degree that combines biology with education. Students learn about modern biology with courses in ecology, genetics, evolution, biochemistry, and more. In 2021, 7.9% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

3. Business/Economics

This degree provides an economics education from the perspective of business, while being guided by the rigorous logic of economics. Students take business courses like corporate finance, business forecasting, and more. In 2021, 7.4% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

4. Public Health

Students can choose between a BS in Public Health Sciences or a BA in Public Health Policy. Each takes interdisciplinary approaches as students explore public health both quantitatively and qualitatively. In 2021, 5.2% of graduating undergraduates earned a public health degree.

5. Criminology

Undergraduates study law: who violates it, why, and the possible consequences, along with community response. Students analyze the cultural, economic, political, and social factors connected to criminology. In 2021. 4.2% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

6. Research and Experimental Psychology

Students receive a foundation in psychology with an emphasis on research, studying how people function in a range of cultural, developmental, environmental, and social contexts. In 2021, 4.2% of graduating undergraduates earned a degree in this psychology concentration.

7. Economics

Students study a range of economic-related topics for a broad education that can serve them well in business, government, and law. Coursework also includes plenty of mathematical classes. In 2021, 4.2% of graduating undergraduate students earned an economics degree.

8. Business Administration and Management

UCI is a top business school and provides undergraduates with a broad education. The social science element helps students study people, groups, organizations, and more along with financial, IT, and marketing issues. In 2021, 4% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

9. Education Sciences

Undergraduates are prepared for careers in public education, higher education, informatics, education software development, and more. In 2021, 3.8% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

10. Psychology

In this program, students pursue a broad psychology degree and can use their education to work in social work, health services, human resources, marketing, and more. In 2021, 3.6% of graduating undergraduates earned a general psychology degree.

UCI Graduation Rate

UCI graduation rates are as follows:

•  4 years: 68%

•  6 years: 84%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median annual salary for UCI graduates is $71,961. That’s 50% higher than the national average of $47,891.