Colleges › California › University of California, Irvine
University of California, Irvine acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as UC Irvine, UCI
University of California, Irvine accepts 29% of applicants. It is a public university in Irvine, California, with about 30,197 undergraduates. The sticker price is $35,888 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $13,866.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for UC Irvine?
Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 32% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of California, Irvine by GPA
University of California, Irvine does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | California resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 2% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.3 | 2% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.5 | 4% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.7 | 10% Reach | 3% Reach |
| 3.9 | 22% Reach | 8% Reach |
| 4.0 | 32% Target | 12% Reach |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of California, Irvine
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $35,888 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $9,000 | $38,100 |
| $50k – $100k | $9,900 | $41,900 |
| $100k – $150k | $14,700 | $46,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $33,300 | $65,300 |
| Over $250k | $35,888 | $68,300 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of California, Irvine
What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Irvine?
University of California, Irvine admits 29% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Irvine?
Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 32% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of California, Irvine?
University of California, Irvine does not consider SAT or ACT scores.
How much does University of California, Irvine cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $35,888 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $13,866 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,000 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of California, Irvine?
87% of students finish their degree, and 94% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of California, Irvine
- University of California, San DiegoLa Jolla, CA · admits 27%
- Cal Poly San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA · admits 31%
- University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · admits 33%
- University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX · admits 27%
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL · admits 24%
- University of FloridaGainesville, FL · admits 24%