University of California, Riverside

A University of Distinction and Diversity
The University of California, Riverside is one of 10 universities within the prestigious University of California system, and the only UC located in Inland Southern California.

Widely recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the nation, UCR's current enrollment is more than 20,000 students, with a goal of 21,000 students by 2020. The campus is in the midst of a tremendous growth spurt with new and remodeled facilities coming on-line on a regular basis.

We are located approximately 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. UCR is also within easy driving distance of dozens of major cultural and recreational sites, as well as desert, mountain and coastal destinations.

In the Heart of Inland Southern California
Located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California, the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, culture and healthcare. UCR gives every student the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UCR's Imprint on California
From its economic impact to its role in the community to the influence it casts on the future, UC Riverside has a significant positive impact on California that extends far beyond campus.
Economic Impact

UC Riverside is Inland Southern California's only public research university. Its economic contribution to the state of California is over $1.4 billion (FY 2009-10) through research, teaching and community involvement.

• Spending by UCR, its students, visitors and retirees generates more than 13,300 full-time jobs statewide and 16,335 nationwide.
• Nearly 57 percent is direct and indirect activity benefiting Inland Southern California.
• UCR is the largest employer in the City of Riverside.
• UCR attracted $115 million in research funds, including $78.5 million in Federal funds.

• The Bourns College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) leads a broad program of research and technology development on the relationship between transportation and air quality.
• The SEARCH Family Autism Resource Center is the first center in the UC system to focus on education and advocacy for parents who are trying to navigate the maze of autism services, including those who are low-income and Spanish speaking.
• The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology capitalizes on the genetics revolution to improve human health, develop sustainable agriculture and help clean the environment.
• The Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering focuses on technologies and applications at the nanoscale, which are expected to lead to advances in electronics, computing and medicine, and other fields.
• The Sloan Center for Internet Retailing applies research promoting best practices to boost the effectiveness of online retailing. The center prepares the next generation of managers for the online retailing environment.
• Riverside-based scientists working in the Citrus Variety Collection have developed more than 40 new citrus varieties, helping growers to fight pests and diseases and remain competitive in the $1.2 billion-a-year California citrus industry.
• About 1,000 different citrus types are represented in the Citrus Variety Collection, making it one of the world's premier resources.
• The University Research Park is a partnership between UCR and the City and County of Riverside to create a campus for new-technology businesses. It houses companies such as Surado Solutions, Ambryx Biotechnology and Microbac Laboratories.

UC Riverside is an ever-changing organism growing, evolving and adapting. Understanding our past helps us plan our way for the future.

In 1907, the California State Legislature established the Citrus Experiment Station in Riverside to research agricultural issues facing Southern California.

In 1948, the University of California Regents approved the establishment of the College of Letters and Science. The college opened for classes in February 1954.

In 1959, Riverside was declared a general campus by the Regents and courses of study began to be developed. The University's Graduate Division was established in 1960.

Since then, our growth has mirrored the growth of Southern California. Once a small university in a small town, we are now the premier research and educational institution in the thriving Inland Southern California region. Explore our history through the links below.

Video Presentation

University of California Riverside UCR