Pacific Admissions Group
How to transfer to UC Riverside (UCR): acceptance rate, TAG and requirements
Requirements, deadlines, competitive majors and prerequisites for California community college students transferring to UC Riverside.
69.6%
Transfer Admit Rate (fall 2026)
3.2
Median Admit GPA (est.)
96%
From CA Community Colleges (fall 2026)
Nov 30
Application Deadline
Short answer
UC Riverside admitted 69.6% of transfer applicants for fall 2026 (10,382 of 14,915). To transfer, complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units, the UC seven-course pattern and your major's preparation courses, then apply on the UC application by November 30. UCR offers TAG with some of the lowest GPA minimums in the UC system.
UCR transfer quick facts
Location
Riverside, California
Admit terms
Fall
Fall is the main transfer term. Check the UC application each July for any winter/spring openings
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
2.4 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.0–3.5 (est.)
UCR transfer requirements
Academic Requirements
UCR transfer eligibility:
- 60 UC-transferable semester units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA (competitive admits est. 3.0–3.5)
- 7-course pattern completion
- CCC students receive highest priority
Major Preparation
Complete your major prerequisites:
- ASSIST.org for course articulation
- Engineering programs are most selective
- Business and STEM programs have specific prerequisites
- UCR values completion of as many prerequisites as possible
UC Application
Standard UC application:
- Major prep prompt + 3 PIQs
- TAU due January 31
- UCR emphasizes potential and personal story
- Holistic review considers challenges overcome
TAG Program
UCR offers TAG for many majors:
- TAG guarantees admission for eligible CCC students
- File September 1–30
- All majors except Art (Studio) and ESHD with Teaching Credential
- Strong option for students wanting a guaranteed UC admission
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
If you qualify and file on time, TAG guarantees you a spot at UCR before you apply.
What is TAG?
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a program that guarantees admission to six UC campuses - including UCR - for eligible California Community College students who meet specific requirements.
TAG is filed separately from the UC application, during September 1–30. If you meet the GPA and course requirements for your chosen major, you are guaranteed admission. This is as close to a sure thing as exists in college admissions.
TAG Requirements
CCC enrollment - must be attending a California Community College
GPA threshold - varies by major: 2.7–2.8 for most majors, 3.0–3.6 for engineering (Computer Science 3.6), 3.3 for Psychology
30+ UC-transferable units completed by end of summer before TAG filing
Complete major prerequisites by spring before transfer
File by September 30 - the TAG portal closes and does not reopen
Competitive transfer majors at UCR
Accept rates and competitive GPAs below are our estimates, not official UC figures.
Bourns College of Engineering
Computer Science
Most competitive program at UCR. TAG requires a 3.6 GPA.
Low
Accept Rate
3.6+
Competitive GPA (est.)
School of Business
Business Administration
Popular and competitive business program.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.2+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
Biology
Strong pre-health pathway at UCR.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
Psychology
Popular major. TAG requires a 3.3 GPA.
Higher
Accept Rate
3.3+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Bourns College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Competitive engineering option.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.2+
Competitive GPA (est.)
School of Public Policy
Public Policy
Distinctive program at UCR.
Higher
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA (est.)
UCR transfer timeline
September 1–30
TAG Application
File TAG application. TAG decisions come out around November 15.
October 1 – November 30
UC Application
Submit UC application.
January 31
TAU Deadline
Report fall grades and spring plans.
April–May
Decisions Released
UCR releases transfer decisions.
How we help you get into UCR
TAG Strategy
UCR's TAG covers many majors and has accessible GPA thresholds. We ensure you qualify.
Course Planning
ASSIST-based course mapping for all major pathways.
PIQ Development
Essay coaching that highlights your growth and ambitions.
Engineering Guidance
Specialized support for Bourns College of Engineering applicants.
Application Strategy
Strategic guidance on major selection and positioning.
Full Application Review
Complete review before submission.
See how our transfer consulting works and our prices and packages, or read whether a consultant is worth it for you.
About the author
Manraj, Founder of Pacific Admissions Group
Manraj transferred from a California community college and was admitted to UC Berkeley Haas, UCLA Business Economics, USC Marshall and UC Irvine Merage. He enrolled at Haas. More about us
Official sources
Requirements and deadlines change every year. Confirm the details for your major on the official pages below. Last reviewed October 2026.
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