University of California-Riverside Reviews

  • 70 Reviews
  • Riverside (CA)
  • Annual Tuition: $43,946
87% of 70 students said this degree improved their career prospects
80% of 70 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

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  • Reviewed: 2/22/2021
  • Degree: Computer Science
"The MS CS program is not worth it if you are an international student like me. 1. There's hardly any effort by the career center and the department to help you get jobs. 2. The course is research-oriented and will not teach any skills that are used in the industry. 3. The course is inflexible. You are required to take 3 courses per quarter and you need to complete your course in 4 quarters. Not only this hurts your studies it affects your ability to do an internship. 4. International student department has slow bureaucracy, the number of delays has given me many headaches. My advice would be to enroll in cheaper universities like SJSU and SDSU since instruction and career opportunities at UCR are awful anyways. At least you will save money and will not have to suffer through the horrible quarter system."
Ace
  • Reviewed: 8/27/2020
  • Degree: Computer and Information Science
"I would not recommend UCR to anyone especially students who are considered poor. UCR University does not put emphasis on quality education but gears all its resources towards alleviating all funds from students pockets. UCR appears to follow the Trump guidelines for greed. The University will nickel and dime you for every cent they can. While in a current pandemic the housing unit of UCR kept my deposit because I changed my mind about staying on campus isn't safe. I'm poor and had to struggle for that 200 dollars yet their only concern was money. Please do your research before choosing this University check out all the fees they charge while a lot of the services are unavailable because of virus."
Overpriced
  • Reviewed: 11/30/2019
  • Degree: Biology
"This school is known as the university of rejects. It definitely lives up to that name. This whole university has a vibe of incompetent and "i dont want to do this" Parking = won't find any. On-campus housing = cockroaches, break-ins, OVER-priced, unsafe. Cafeteria = fewer options than a state university. tuition = give me your money. I mean this school have teachers, and you go to class, and get a degree, like all the other school... School websites are poorly developed. Really pathetic that this school has so much funding, yet my state school is better than this place. No matter how crappy everything is, people will always come here and money will keep coming in. So congrats UCR, you can keep sucking without repercussions. Just ride on that UC label. Really regret choosing this over-priced school, should of went to state."
Matthew Butkus
  • Reviewed: 11/6/2019
  • Degree: Biology
"I'm a proud University of California Riverside alumni, class of 2019. The four years I spent at this university was truly life changing, I learned how to come out of my shell as a leader. I learned how to play the great highland bagpipes, and I learned a great deal about Biology as a Biology major. The faculty are there to help you succeed and especially to help you accomplish your goals, which was huge for me. With all that I have done at UCR it was worth it. I will be pursuing my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos in January 2020. Honesty, I don't think I would have got this far in my education if it were not for my experience at UCR. My advice is to get involved! UCR has an abundance of opportunities socially and professionally, All you have to do is go for it."
Desiree Cervantes
  • Reviewed: 8/16/2019
  • Degree: Psychology
"The undergraduate psychology program at the University of California, Riverside is a rigorous undertaking because the school wants to ensure each student leaves well rounded, and you will. During my four years I learned how to research and write proper scientific papers, and studied broad topics like child and overall human development, but also very intricate and detailed areas of concentration like neurotransmitters and brain functions. The psychology department is lucky to have such a wide variety of professors from different fields of expertise who genuinely care about the success of their students. I never met a professor or TA who wasn't willing to go the extra mile to help me, and I was presented with many research opportunities that I feel I may not have received at other institutions. Overall, my biggest issue with UCR was that it was so far and different from the life I was used to, but over time the education, experiences, and friendships I cultivated in my time there truly made up for any deficits. I would give this school a 9/10 and highly recommend it to anyone looking to further their education."
Jennifer Stephenson
  • Reviewed: 6/30/2019
  • Degree: Psychology
"I got my degree in Psychology and I absolutely loved it. The professors were helpful and engaging. The academic advisors were very accommodating and gave great information. The campus itself is very beautiful and had great places to study. The only thing I would of preferred was smaller classes, especially since you could be in a class with 500 students."
Undergraduate Student
  • Reviewed: 6/11/2019
  • Degree: Business Administration
"I loved UCR. Make sure to take advantage of all the resources they provide you with. Join clubs and organizations to meet other people that have similar interests to you and to build connections. Go to all of the fun events that are put on by ASPB, COSTO hall, etc."
Gayle Palma
  • Reviewed: 3/31/2019
  • Degree: Psychology
"I believe that undergraduate level schooling is the beginning of figuring out where one wants to take their career and at the same time explore their interests. It is a time to take different classes and find what your true passions are. From academic counseling on changing your major, to joining student organizations, the undergraduate experience is well-rounded and opens up more people to the world. My undergraduate experience at UCR was a great one. I was able to take a variety of different classes before I decided on my Psychology major. I have always been interested in how we think as human beings, and how certain life events or our environment affect the decisions we make. I also was very active in Filipino-American student organizations, which molded me into the community organizer I am today. Our organizations also put on annual cultural shows, where we could tell our stories as first generation Filipino-Americans, in a creative way. My acting and dancing experience during those shows directly contribute to my ability think on my feet, and solve problems in creative ways. My college experience, directly contributed to where I am today."
J
  • Reviewed: 9/10/2018
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"This college is not to nontraditional students despite what the admissions people tell you. They will make you pay money then tell you that they don't have classes for you. If you are a transfer, your first quarter you are paying for bottom of the barrel classes."
Ethan Inren Chen
  • Reviewed: 2/13/2018
  • Degree: Business Administration
"My experience at University of California, Riverside has cultivated an desire to contribute to social welfare and pursue a career in the law. The student body is among the most diverse in the nation. The collective set of backgrounds and experiences shared between students has gifted me with empathy and the humble desire to learn from my peers. I attended the School of Business Administration, where many of the university's brightest faculty teach. Notable faculty include Professor S.J. and Professor A.S. They have provided myself, and many other students, the guidance necessary to find success past the undergraduate career. The day of my graduation, I was hired for a full-time position as a project manager at a translation firm. The knowledge gained during my undergraduate career has endowed me with the skills to perform in the workplace. The financial services at University of California, Riverside can be slow at times. I've spent my fair share of time at the university registrar. However, the employees are kind and courteous. As with any public institution, you must be patient when dealing with financial services. In sum, University of California, Riverside offers an established faculty and a diverse group of students. I can say with confidence that my undergraduate experience has prepared me for a life of success."
Deanna
  • Reviewed: 1/18/2018
  • Degree: Sociology
"Although UC Riverside has a stigma of being on of the lower quality UC's in the system, I found my time there to be incredibly valuable. I really found my place there. From freshmen dorms to living on my own in an apartment a few blocks off campus, I had a great time at UCR and met so many people who have become my lifelong friends. UCR also provides their students with many great opportunities. I was employed the by the school for a few years which was great for making some money but also for learning to juggle school with other responsibilities. Also, the wide range of organizations available on campus with help you find your place and keep you busy. Lastly, I heard many stories of how professors don't care about you because the class sizes are big and whatnot before entering college but I found that to be so untrue here. The professors were so attentive, caring and approachable."
IRENE LEE
  • Reviewed: 12/27/2017
  • Degree: Military Science
"UC RIVERSIDE COURSES ARE INCREDIBLY CHALLENGING, HOWEVER THE PROFESSORS ARE AVAILABLE 24/7. THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE STUDENTS ARE EXTENSIVE. RESOURCES VARY FROM STUDENT TUTORING CENTERS TO EXTRA STUDY SESSIONS TO PROFESSORS' OFFICE HOURS AND ALSO TEACHING ASSISTANCE OFFICE HOURS. THERE ARE TWO LIBRARIES FILLED WITH PRIVATE STUDY ROOMS, STUDY TABLES, AND INDIVIDUAL STUDY SEATS AS WELL. LIBRARIES ARE OPEN 24 HOURS DURING FINAL EXAM WEEKS. THE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM WAS A GREAT PROGRAM TO STUDY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO FOCUS ON BOTH FIELDS THAT I WANTED TO STUDY IN. THOUGH I WAS NOT ABLE TO DOUBLE MAJOR, THIS PROGRAM ALLOWED ME TO STUDY BOTH BIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY. ALL IN ALL, IT WAS A GREAT PROGRAM TO STUDY THE SCIENCE ASPECTS OF THINGS AS WELL AS THE CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE WORLD."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"I love the atmosphere of the campus. Professors are very nice and open to your new ideas, and the campus itself is beautiful and diverse."
Sara
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: English
"I really enjoyed taking courses and and completing my degree within the English department at UCR. Faculty is great and in my experience, takes the time to help students succeed. Most of my professors where available multiple times a week for office hours as well as after class for questions. I really enjoyed the diverse courses offered within the department, they defiantly reflected the very culturally rich and diverse student demographic in the program."
wayne
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"multi-culture college, close to LA and SD, also LV. Only two seasons ---- rainy season and summer."
EnglishHist7
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: History
"The university in general is a good school with a decorated (history department) pool of scholars. There are some issues with lowering standards in order to maintain a positive curve. Otherwise the school has numerous amenities, a very good research library, and numerous resources to aid students in achieving the most potential."
Brian Sanchez
  • Reviewed: 3/28/2017
  • Degree: Sociology
"My doctoral program is rigorous but filled with amazing faculty members and students. The program provides a well-rounded curriculum and prepares its students for an increasingly competitive job market. The location is perfect for the degree I am pursuing because the student population is diverse and suitable for Sociology."
Anthony Atalla
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2017
  • Degree: Biology
"Choosing to attend UCR for my undergraduate studies was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The quality of education is second to none and there are countless opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research for those that are interested. I am confident that the education that I received at UCR will serve me well as I prepare to start graduate school next fall."
Jesse
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2017
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"UC Riverside is in the UC system, therefore you can expect it to be comparable to the other UC schools. However, UCR isn't as desirable as some of the other UCs because of its locations and lack of student life. A big portion of the student body commutes and maintain their social life from high school. This wouldn't deter a serious student because UCR is capable of giving a world class education in many spheres. I've talked to many professors outside of class during their office hours and they were very welcoming. I can compare their hospitality to UCSD and UCSB and from my experience UCR has the best open door policy."
KAS
  • Reviewed: 3/24/2017
  • Degree: Public Policy
"UC Riverside is an ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse large university about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles. The diverse environment draws unique faculty and a plethora of students who are the first in their families to attend college, ensuring productive and unique discussion in the classroom. The Public Policy degree is rather new, though a quickly expanding degree with a new Master's in Public Policy program. A degree in public policy suits students looking for a broad, liberal-arts degree with a social justice lens. Meshing philosophy, psychology, sociology, political science and more, public policy students also choose a concentration: environmental, health, families, urban, etc. Additionally, the UCDC and UCCS programs complement a public policy degree very well."