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Just over 50 years old, Irvine is one of the youngest campuses in the state's public university system, but it's already among the world's most respected research institutions -- three former faculty members have received Nobel Prizes. Undergraduates thrive: About 83% of freshmen go on to graduate within six years, which MONEY found is about 22% higher than expected based on its student body. From there, the typical Anteater's early career earnings come in at about $55,900, according to PayScale, which also is higher than comparable colleges. Irvine is one of the most diverse schools in the country -- 37% of the roughly 30,000 undergrads are Asian, and 25% are Hispanic. The school also has a sweet location in the sunny suburbs, just miles from the Pacific Ocean and Disneyland. UCI doesn't field a football team, but its baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball programs are strong. In one of the more quaint college cheers, the "Antourage," as fans are called, cheer "Zot! Zot! Zot!" to mimic the sound of an anteater sucking up ants.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: Most courses during the fall are virtual, and the university is aiming to transition some classes back to in-person instruction by spring.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$35,200
% of students who get any grants
65%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$15,700
Average price for low-income students
$9,600
admissions
Acceptance rate
29%
Median SAT/ACT Score
1300/29
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
29,720
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
96%
% of need met
79%
% of students who get merit* grants
2%
Average merit grant
$8,010
student success
Graduation rate
83%
Average time to a degree
4.2 years
Average student debt
$15,890
Average salary within 5 years
$55,900
% earning more than $28,000
82%
key deadlines
Early decision application
N/A
Regular application
Nov 30
coronavirus update
FALL 2020 PLAN: Most courses during the fall are virtual, and the university is aiming to transition some classes back to in-person instruction by spring.
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