UCI vs. University of Redlands

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California Irvine in Irvine, CA with University of Redlands in Redlands, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Irvine is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (37,297 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Irvine is located in Irvine, CA (Rural Fringe setting); University of Redlands is in Redlands, CA (Small City setting).
• University of California Irvine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Redlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Irvine 19:1; University of Redlands 10:1.

UCI vs. University of Redlands Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCI or University of Redlands? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of California Irvine than University of Redlands ($15,889 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 4.1% lower than at University of California Irvine ($18,208 vs. $18,991).
• University of Redlands is 287.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCI (about $45,156 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $15,722.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at University of Redlands than at University of California Irvine (about $10,956 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $49,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at University of California Irvine (98% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 108.3% larger than aid received by University of California Irvine students ($48,134 vs. $23,110).

UCI vs. University of Redlands Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCI or University of Redlands? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Redlands and UCI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Irvine (1330) is 100 points higher than at University of Redlands (1230).
• Incoming UCI students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at University of Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Irvine 1230/1430; University of Redlands 1107/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Irvine 26/33; University of Redlands 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCI - Test-free; University of Redlands - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCI Nov 30, 2026; University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCI students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than UCI (28.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at UCI vs. 15.9% at University of Redlands.

UCI vs. University of Redlands Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCI and University of Redlands? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California Irvine's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than University of Redlands's (70%).
• Graduates from University of California Irvine earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than University of Redlands graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,800 vs. $56,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Irvine graduates have a $11,500 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($17,000 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, UCI graduates have an estimated $119 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($175 vs. $294).
• More UCI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Redlands students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.