University of California-Riverside

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) stands as a vibrant public land-grant research university and a proud member of the distinguished University of California system. Rooted in a legacy of scientific innovation, UCR's journey began with the UC Citrus Experiment Station in 1907, a pioneering hub for biological pest control and growth regulator research. Today, UCR is renowned for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification and its commitment to academic excellence, living up to its motto, "Fiat lux" or "Let there be light."

UCR's evolution into a full-fledged general campus in 1959 was a strategic response to California's growing need for higher education. This expansion laid the groundwork for a university that has consistently prioritized access and diversity, at one point boasting the highest proportion of African American, American Indian, and Latino students in the UC system. Beyond its inclusive environment, UCR is an academic force, joining the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and making significant contributions through its academic programs.

Driving future innovation, UCR is home to the groundbreaking UC Riverside School of Medicine, the first new research-based public medical school in California in four decades, which welcomed its inaugural class in 2013. The university continues its ambitious trajectory with plans to expand its student body to 35,000 by 2035, supported by substantial investments in new construction. With its Highlanders competing in NCAA Division I athletics and a sprawling 1,900-acre main campus, UCR offers a dynamic and engaging experience for prospective students and families eager to be part of a forward-thinking institution.