America's Fastest Rising University

UC Riverside is on the rise. A member of the world’s most prestigious public university system, ours is an institution powered by an entrepreneurial spirit, a record of innovation and results, and a commitment to excellence and collaboration across disciplines. 

Situated on nearly 1,200 scenic acres in Inland Southern California, UCR’s strong core programs and new and emerging disciplines are housed within three colleges, four professional schools, and more than 20 interdisciplinary research centers — and our campus continues to grow. 

Our diverse, inclusive, and globally focused community is creating a new model for what a great public research university can achieve. With more than 25,000 students and 1,100 faculty — including two Nobel Prize winners and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine — we are pioneering research with economic, scientific, and social impact on the real-world challenges we face in California and beyond. 

The reach and importance of our work is gaining in prominence. We placed among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide in the 2019-20 Center for World University Rankings — and we jumped 20 positions to rank No. 12 among all U.S. universities by Money Magazine in 2020. 

But the benefits of being a Highlander don’t stop with the stats — or within the bounds of our expansive campus. Being a part of the UCR community means you have access to the vibrant city of Riverside — and you’re just a short drive away from desert, mountain, and coastal destinations, as well as dozens of major cultural and recreational sites.