UC Riverside was named as one of the top academic institutions and best values for students by the Princeton Review in its latest rankings. The recognition continues UCR’s growing reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and student success. The university earned top rankings from the Princeton Review for the fourth consecutive year, a consistency that underscores its ongoing commitment to providing both high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for students.

UCR is included in both its Best Colleges for 2024 unranked list and the 2024 edition of its related guidebook “Best 389 Colleges.” Being included in this guidebook is a significant honor, as only 15% of America’s four-year colleges and universities are featured in the book. The inclusion highlights UCR’s ability to provide students with an experience that blends strong academics, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for growth both inside and outside the classroom.

In addition to being listed among the nation’s best, UCR also made the Best West list. This unranked grouping includes 79 colleges in the western region of the United States that are considered academically outstanding. The presence of UCR on this list shows that the university is recognized not only at the national level but also regionally, where it competes with other top institutions for academic distinction and student outcomes.

The Princeton Review also created rankings for several topic-specific categories, and UCR performed strongly across these measures. The campus was ranked No. 23 in the Top 50 Best Value Colleges and No. 20 in the Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact among public schools. These rankings are particularly meaningful because they are tied directly to affordability, return on investment, and the lived experiences of students.

This is the fourth year in a row that the Princeton Review has featured UCR in its best value lists. The Best Value Colleges list includes institutions with exceptional academics, affordable costs, and strong career prospects for graduates. This combination ensures that students not only have access to a high-quality education, but they also graduate with the tools and resources needed to thrive in their chosen careers. The Making an Impact list, on the other hand, highlights colleges that encourage students to be active participants in their communities. Rankings are judged by student survey responses regarding community service opportunities, student government involvement, sustainability efforts, and overall student engagement on campus.

UCR was also recognized for its leadership in sustainability, landing at No. 27 in the Top 50 Green Colleges list. This placement demonstrates UCR’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and prioritize practices that protect resources for future generations. Sustainability has been an ongoing focus at the university, and this recognition from the Princeton Review validates the progress and dedication shown in this area.

Recognition was not limited to undergraduate programs. Earlier in January, the Princeton Review also included UCR’s School of Business in its Best Business Schools list. This further demonstrates the breadth of excellence at the university, where graduate and professional programs receive the same level of acknowledgment as undergraduate studies.

The rankings published by the Princeton Review are based on survey responses from more than 165,000 students attending the 389 colleges and universities profiled. This reliance on student feedback means the lists reflect genuine perspectives from those experiencing the institution firsthand, lending credibility to the results.

It is important to note that the Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. The Princeton Review is a nationally recognized tutoring, test preparation, and college admission services company. Its long history of compiling student-centered rankings makes its annual lists a trusted source for prospective students and families.

For UC Riverside, appearing consistently across multiple Princeton Review rankings highlights the university’s dedication to academic excellence, affordability, sustainability, and student engagement. The recognition reinforces UCR’s mission to provide access to education while maintaining high standards and creating opportunities for students to succeed well beyond graduation.