University of California Irvine in Top 10 in Nation for Public Universities

The University of California, Irvine is ranked #9 in the nation among public universities, according to Forbes 2022 America’s Top Colleges List. Overall, UCI placed 7th in the state and 30th nationally on the list.

“I am delighted that UCI is deservedly recognized as one of the finest public universities in the nation and am especially proud that our institution continues to provide world-class opportunities to those who traditionally have not had access to higher education,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman.

According to Forbes, the top colleges ranking spotlights schools that offer an excellent education at a great price, graduate high-earners and propel students to become successful entrepreneurs and influential leaders in their fields. California colleges filled six of the top 25 spots.

Forbes redesigned its methodology last year to better reflect outcomes for all students. This had the effect of several Ivy League universities slipping on the list, while public universities rise in the ranks.

The Forbes ranking evaluated 500 schools on the following measures: alumni salary, debt, graduation rate, Forbes American Leaders List, return on investment, retention rate and academic success.

The Forbes ranking is the latest in a series putting UCI in the top tier of U.S. universities for excellence and affordability. Earlier this year, UCI ranked #9 in Money magazine’s Best Colleges’ 2022 ranking, making it the highest-rated California university.

U.S. News & World Report currently rates UCI the ninth-best public university in America. In 2019, Money ranked UCI No. 1, and Forbes put UCI first in the country among public universities for “best value” – a school’s ability to deliver the biggest bang for the tuition buck based on costs, academic quality, postgrad earnings, student debt and graduation success. And in the 2019 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranking of this nation’s universities, UCI placed first for offering an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, UCI has twice topped The New York Times’ College Access Index of U.S. universities “doing the most for the American dream” for its commitment to upward mobility. UCI has dedicated Student Success Initiatives that provide resources and mentoring for students including first generation, low income, former foster youth, undocumented, formerly incarcerated and more. The university prioritizes career readiness through the Division of Career Pathways and student resources for job preparedness and search, networking and career development.

UCI received more than 142,000 applications to attend the university this fall, setting a new campus record. Additionally, UCI was – for the fourth consecutive year – the top UC choice for in-state, first-generation students, with 45 percent of its California-resident applications coming from those who will be the first in their families to attend college. Further, for the second year in a row, the Irvine campus was No. 2 in the UC system for in-state applications from both underrepresented minorities and low-income families, all of whom have not historically had access to a world-class college education.

UCI is a platinum-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber.

Photo: Steve Zylius/UCI