UC Irvine Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

UC Irvine’s acceptance rate for the 2026 admission cycle stands at approximately 28.6%, making it one of California’s most selective public universities. In-state tuition is $15,722 annually, while out-of-state tuition reaches $49,922. Graduates earn a median of $80,735 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes across engineering, business, and STEM fields.

Acceptance Snapshot

The University of California-Irvine admitted approximately 28.6% of applicants for the 2026 academic year, according to data current as of April 2026. This competitive acceptance rate reflects UCI’s position as a top-tier public research institution within the University of California system.

With a total enrollment of 30,197 students, UCI maintains a highly selective admissions process. The acceptance rate has remained relatively stable year-over-year, though competition continues to intensify as the university’s reputation for research excellence and engineering programs attracts increasingly qualified applicants from around the world.

Prospective students should understand that admission to UC Irvine requires strong academic credentials, compelling essays, and demonstrated engagement with the university’s values. The yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll—indicates that admitted students view UCI as a highly desirable institution.

SAT & ACT Scores

Unfortunately, detailed 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT score data is not available in the current dataset. Prospective applicants should contact UC Irvine’s admissions office directly or visit the official admissions website to review current standardized testing score ranges for admitted students. The university’s selectivity suggests that competitive applicants typically score in the upper ranges of the SAT and ACT.

Tuition & Costs

Annual Tuition and Fees:

• In-State Tuition: $15,722
• Out-of-State Tuition: $49,922

These figures represent the direct instructional costs for the 2026 academic year. The significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition reflects California’s investment in public higher education for state residents.

Total cost of attendance typically includes room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses beyond tuition. The average net price—what students actually pay after accounting for grants and aid—is $14,251, suggesting that financial aid significantly reduces the sticker price for many families.

Financial Aid Overview

UC Irvine offers substantial financial aid to help students manage college costs. The average net price of $14,251 indicates that, on average, students pay considerably less than the published tuition and fees. This reflects the university’s commitment to making education accessible despite its selective admissions.

The median student debt upon graduation is $15,000, which is below the national average for four-year institutions. This suggests that many UCI students graduate with manageable debt levels, particularly those from lower and middle-income families who benefit from need-based aid programs.

Students and families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. UC Irvine’s financial aid office provides comprehensive support in navigating funding options.

Graduation Rates

UC Irvine demonstrates strong student success outcomes with a completion rate of 86.38%. This six-year graduation rate (the standard measure for four-year institutions) exceeds the national average for public universities and reflects the university’s support services, academic advising, and student engagement programs.

The high completion rate indicates that admitted students are well-prepared for UCI’s rigorous curriculum and that the university effectively supports student success through graduation.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Graduates of UC Irvine earn a median of $80,735 ten years after initial enrollment, according to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. This figure reflects strong return on investment, particularly given the relatively low average net price students pay.

Strong earnings outcomes are particularly pronounced among graduates in engineering, computer science, and business disciplines, where UCI maintains top-ranked programs. The university’s location in Orange County—a hub for technology, aerospace, and biotechnology industries—provides abundant internship and employment opportunities.

Popular Majors

Specific data on the top ten majors and degree counts is not available in the current dataset. However, UC Irvine is nationally recognized for strength in engineering (particularly electrical and computer engineering), computer science, business administration, and biological sciences. Prospective students should visit the registrar’s office or academic planning website for detailed information on degree production by major.

Demographics

Detailed enrollment breakdowns by race/ethnicity and gender are not included in the current dataset. For comprehensive demographic information about UCI’s student body, prospective students should consult the university’s institutional research office or official fact book, which provides detailed enrollment statistics and diversity metrics.

Related Guides

• Caltech Acceptance Rate 2025: 2.57% Admission Stats
• TCU Acceptance Rate 2026: 44.5% Admission Stats
• UC Irvine Acceptance Rate 2025: 28.6% Admissions
• Brown University Acceptance Rate 2025: 3-4% Admission Stats
• Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate 2025: 5.4% Admission Stats

FAQ

What is UC Irvine’s acceptance rate for 2026?

UC Irvine’s acceptance rate for the 2026 admission cycle is approximately 28.6%, making it a highly selective institution. This means that fewer than three in ten applicants are admitted.

How much does it cost to attend UC Irvine?

In-state tuition is $15,722 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $49,922 annually. However, the average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $14,251, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket cost for many families.

What do UC Irvine graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $80,735 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes and return on investment. Earnings vary by major, with engineering and computer science graduates typically earning at the higher end of the spectrum.

How many students graduate from UC Irvine?

UC Irvine has a completion rate of 86.38%, meaning the vast majority of students who enroll graduate within six years. This rate exceeds national averages for public universities and indicates strong student support systems.

How much financial aid does UC Irvine provide?

The average net price of $14,251 and median student debt of $15,000 indicate that UCI provides substantial need-based and merit-based aid. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine their individual aid eligibility.

Is UC Irvine a good value for out-of-state students?

While out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at $49,922 annually, UCI’s strong graduation rates, competitive post-graduation earnings, and financial aid availability make it a worthwhile investment for many out-of-state students. However, prospective students should compare net prices across institutions before making a decision.

How selective is UC Irvine compared to other UC schools?

With a 28.6% acceptance rate, UCI is among the more selective campuses in the University of California system. However, it remains somewhat less selective than UC Berkeley and UCLA, making it an excellent option for highly qualified students seeking a top-tier public research university.

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Data Sources

The statistics in this article come from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data current as of April 2026. Acceptance rates, tuition costs, financial aid figures, graduation rates, and earnings data are drawn from these official federal sources.

Students and families should verify all current figures directly with UC Irvine’s admissions and financial aid offices, as institutional data is updated regularly and policies may change. For the most up-to-date information on admissions requirements, test scores, and financial aid, visit uci.edu.