by our College Data Analytics TeamIs UC Irvine worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UC Irvine is ranked #593 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within California, it ranks #78 of 304 for value.
Among the majors UC Irvine offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | #1 of 52 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology & Histology | #1 of 13 |
| Biology | #1 of 17 |
| Microbiology & Immunology | #1 of 10 |
| Business Information Systems | #1 of 17 |
| Information Resources Management | #1 of 17 |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | #1 of 26 |
| Pharmacy | #1 of 26 |
| Neurobiology & Anatomy | #2 of 20 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation | #2 of 15 |
Below is the detailed UC Irvine value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
University of California-Irvine is ranked #14 out of #346 in California for quality and #78 out of #304 for California value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the UC Irvine financial aid page to be sure.
University of California-Irvine is ranked #593 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, University of California-Irvine is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UC Irvine costs about $23,486. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $93,943 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $38,553 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $14,251 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $23,486 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,943 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UC Irvine net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UC Irvine degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $154,212 | — | — |
| All Students | $93,943 | #593 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $57,004 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $154,212 | — | — |
| All Students | $93,943 | #78 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $57,004 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UC Irvine shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $6,485 |
| $30K–$48K | $8,044 |
| $48K–$75K | $11,769 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,809 |
| Over $110K | $29,595 |
About 62% of UC Irvine undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $21,866 per year. Get more details on the UC Irvine financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the UC Irvine net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.