UC Riverside Is for Veterans

Take your place at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), alongside Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. This affiliation ensures that you’ll join one of the most diverse student bodies at a top-tier research university and graduate with the skills and experiences desired by employers!
 
You’ll also join a thriving community of Veterans and over 1,500 military-connected students, including active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members, spouses, and dependents. You’ll be supported by myriad campus resources, especially the UCR’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Get help in navigating campus life.

Veterans Resource Center
ray of light

Our Veterans Resource Center

The staff at our Veterans Resource Center goes above and beyond to provide the support needed for all military-connected students to flourish here at UCR. 

Tami Thacker, the Director of the VRC, is one of five advisors in the country to receive the Chapter Advisor of the Year Award from Student Veterans of America (SVA). This award honors the exceptional mentorship, service, and the advocacy she provides to the SVA chapter and student veteran community at UCR. Tami is the only award recipient in California.

Read more in the Inside UCR news article.

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A smiling graduate wearing his Navy graduation sash poses with family in front of large metal letters spelling UCR.

Undergraduate Admissions

Discover 150+ majors and minors, including business, biology, and engineering. View dates and deadlines, connect with admission counselors, and attend in-person and virtual events. 

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community
      
Community

The VRC helps Veterans transition from military to university life and supports over 1,200 military-connected students. You can also get involved with the Student Veterans Organization and Dependents and Military Family Organization.

Explore the VRC

Support

Support

Maximize your UCR experience with a variety of resources, including the Academic Resource Center with FREE tutoring, the Career Center with career planning and job fairs, and nine Ethnic and Gender Centers for additional support and community. 

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UCR Student Veteran: Jennifer Sayre

“I am so grateful for the VRC — it was my home on campus to hang out or study in between classes. [The VRC helped me to learn] about my benefits and the campus through the workshops they hosted.”

Jennifer Sayre
Class of ’20
History and Education Double-Major
U.S. Army Veteran

 


Silver Military Friendly School 

Among participating Tier 1 research institutions
on a top 10 list by Military Friendly.

 

 

– VIQTORY, 2024-25



Best for Vets College 

Based on factors such as student success metrics
(completion, retention, persistence, GPA, graduation),
military-specific resources, and financial aid.

#95 in the U.S., #9 in the West and #4 in California

– Military Times, 2025



No. 8 Military Spouse Friendly School

Research institution category. 


 

 

– Military Friendly®, 2023-24


You Belong at UCR

All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.

To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.