University of California-Riverside

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) stands as a vibrant pillar of the renowned UC system, recognized as a public land-grant research university with "very high research activity" (R1 classification). Nestled in Riverside, California, UCR offers an expansive 1,900-acre main campus and a commitment to academic excellence. With its motto, "Fiat Lux" (Let there be light), UCR illuminates pathways for over 26,800 students, fostering a diverse and innovative learning environment.

UCR's roots trace back to the pioneering UC Citrus Experiment Station, founded in 1907, which spearheaded vital research in agriculture. This innovative spirit continued as UCR evolved into a full-fledged university, opening its undergraduate college in 1954. Driven by the vision to meet California's growing educational needs, UCR expanded significantly, becoming a general campus in 1959. Today, its academic strengths are exemplified by groundbreaking programs in areas like business administration and biomedical sciences, and its commitment to public service led to the establishment of the UC Riverside School of Medicine in 2013—the first new research-based public medical school in California in 40 years.

The UCR student experience is marked by a strong sense of community and achievement. Students, known as the Highlanders, cheer on their NCAA Division I athletic teams, inspired by the campus's unique location in the foothills of Box Springs Mountain. UCR has long been a leader in diversity within the UC system, boasting the highest proportion of African American, American Indian, and Latino students by the mid-1990s—a legacy it continues to uphold. With plans to expand to 35,000 students by 2035, UCR is poised for continued growth, offering exceptional opportunities for learning, discovery, and engagement in a truly inclusive setting.