Scholarships at University of California, Riverside

The UCR Alumni Association awards $5,000 scholarships to five incoming transfer students each academic year. Eligible applicants attended a California community college, are California residents, hold a minimum community college GPA of 3.51, and plan to enroll at UCR for the upcoming fall quarter. Applications are submitted through Scholarship Universe after building a profile with a UCR NetID. Alumni volunteers review applications to select recipients who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership promise.

The Brithinee Alumni Endowed Scholarship, established by Donald and Wallace Brithinee, supports continuing UC Riverside students based on academic merit. Recipients must be full-time UCR undergraduates attending all three quarters of the academic year and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Awards of $5,000 are distributed through Scholarship Universe when funding is available. The scholarship recognizes high-achieving continuing students who demonstrate sustained academic excellence at UCR.

The HSF College Access Foundation Inland Empire Scholars Program provides a $3,000 scholarship for four years to UCR students from the Inland Empire who join the program cohort. Recipients receive retention support services from UCR and participate in the HSF Scholars Chapter on campus to help ensure they persist and graduate with a bachelor's degree. The program coordinates with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and UCR's Chicano Student Programs. Contact Estella Acuña for application information and deadlines.

The Pay It Forward First Generation University Student Awards recognize merit among UC Riverside Political Science students who are the first in their family to pursue a university-level education. Juniors and seniors in the following academic year may apply by submitting a 200–300 word essay describing their first-generation college experience and a resume of no more than two pages. Awards of $2,000 or more are given to one or more students each spring when the department distributes its annual application call by email and social media.

The Steve and Joann Krynski Scholarship honors the parents of alumnus Jeff Krynski and supports continuing UC Riverside undergraduates majoring in the performing or fine arts, including music, theatre, film, dance, art, and art history. Applicants must be enrolled full time for all three quarters of the academic year and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Awards of $1,500 are offered through Scholarship Universe. The scholarship recognizes artistic students who demonstrate academic commitment in creative disciplines at UCR.

The UC Riverside LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Scholarship recognizes exceptional student involvement and leadership in the UCR LGBTQ+ and allies community. Students of any sexual orientation or gender identity may apply for awards up to $1,500. Undergraduate and graduate applicants submit applications through Scholarship Universe. The scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated meaningful leadership, service, and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Applications for the current cycle close February 25, 2026.

The Dr. Manuela and Randy Sosa Endowed Scholarship Fund supports low-income, high-achieving UCR undergraduates from Riverside or San Bernardino County who plan to give back to the Latino community in the Inland Empire. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA, must pursue a bachelor's degree at UCR while attending all three quarters in the award year, and should demonstrate interest in working locally to help the Latino community. Additional consideration is given to Spanish fluency. Awards of $1,000 are offered through Scholarship Universe.