Redlands, CAprivate nonprofitwww.redlands.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 69%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Redlands offers a classic Southern California liberal arts experience—sun-drenched, friendly, and practical—with a focus on blending classroom learning with hands-on experience. It's a place where over 60 academic programs, a strong business focus, and a residential, close-knit campus culture create a distinctive environment for students who value both personal connection and career preparation. While its admissions are accessible, its outcomes are solid, positioning it as a pragmatic choice for students seeking a well-rounded education with a clear path to the workforce.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Outcomes & value
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Redlands operates on a rolling admissions cycle with several decision plans, making the process relatively straightforward for applicants. The university exclusively accepts the Common Application for first-year students. Key deadlines include Early Action rounds on November 1 and December 1, with a Regular Decision deadline of January 15. The admissions process is not highly selective, with an consistently reported around 83%. Admitted students typically present solid academic credentials: the middle 50% SAT range is 1107–1350, and the ACT range is 21–28. A significant 52% of enrolled students had a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher. The university does not have an open admission policy, meaning not all applicants are guaranteed acceptance. Notably, applying through Early Decision appears to offer a significant advantage; one source reports an Early Decision acceptance rate of 100%, which is notably higher than the overall rate. The role of demonstrated interest in admissions decisions is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources for Redlands, though it is a factor some colleges consider, as indicated by general discussions of Section C7.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Compare on earnings: best colleges for Accounting · best colleges for Business · best colleges for Psychology · best colleges for English · best colleges for Biology
Redlands promotes an academic model that integrates rigorous study with experiential learning. The university offers a broad curriculum with more than 60 undergraduate programs, and over 100 degree, certificate, and credential programs across all levels. While it provides a comprehensive liberal arts foundation, the institution is particularly known for its strength in business and finance, followed closely by the sciences. Popular majors among graduates include Visual and Performing Arts (6%), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (5%), English Language and Literature (5%), and History (3%). The university houses several distinct colleges and schools, including a School of Education that offers transformative programs in K-12 teaching, higher education leadership, student affairs, and counseling. The academic philosophy emphasizes applicable skills and hands-on experiences, aiming to prepare students for direct entry into their careers or further study.
Life at Redlands is characterized by a supportive, close-knit residential community. The campus culture is described as diverse and supportive, with ample opportunities for involvement. A majority of students—60%—live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, fostering strong connections and a traditional residential experience, while 40% live off-campus. The university actively promotes engagement through student organizations, cultural events, and community activities. Social media highlights showcase vibrant cultural performances, student vendors, and events that celebrate the diversity of the student body, such as those honoring Asian culture. The overall vibe is one of a harmonious blend of academics and fun within a well-rounded campus environment.
Redlands graduates enter the workforce with solid earning potential. The median earnings for alumni ten years after entry is a robust figure. The university reports a graduation rate of 67.3% within 150% of normal time (approximately six years). Alumni success is tracked, with data showing the percentage of first-time, full-time students who earn a bachelor's degree within four, five, or six years. These outcomes suggest the university's blend of academic and experiential learning effectively prepares students for post-graduate life.
The published at Redlands is significant, but the university is committed to making education accessible through financial aid. The average —what students actually pay after grants and scholarships—is $30,031. A very high percentage of full-time beginning undergraduates (98%) receive grant or scholarship aid. The average financial aid package is substantial, reported at $57,944, with the average grant award being $26,852. Students and families are encouraged to use the university's Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate. Financial aid packages typically include a mix of grants, scholarships, and loans; the university offers Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans. The provided sources do not indicate that Redlands has a "no-loan" policy or a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated need without loans. Eligibility for aid is reassessed yearly via the FAFSA.
The University of Redlands carves out a distinctive niche as a pragmatic, hands-on liberal arts college in Southern California. It avoids the cutthroat selectivity of its more famous peers, instead offering an accessible pathway to a personalized education. Its identity is built on a deliberate fusion of theory and practice—"academic rigor with experiential learning" isn't just a slogan but the stated core of its over 60 programs. This practical bent is reflected in its noted strengths in business and the sciences, fields that lead directly to careers. The campus life is intentionally residential and community-focused, with a majority of students living on campus to foster the close-knit relationships the university promotes. It’s a place where students can expect strong support, a sunny environment, and an education designed to be immediately useful, resulting in solid graduation rates and earning outcomes for graduates.