

University of California-Davis
About University of California-Davis
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Davis is a public research university in Davis, California. It is known for its world-leading programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. The campus is one of the largest in the UC system and is famously bike-friendly.
Founded
1905
Location
Davis, California
Students
40,045
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
41.8%
Selective
Graduation Rate
85.7%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$16,774
Out-of-state: $50,974
Avg Net Price
$14,741
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$80,838
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
41.8 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
University of California-Davis is moderately selective at 41.8%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
85.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.8%
4-Year Grad
62%
6-Year Grad
87%
Teaching Quality
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.6%
$/Student
$34.1K
Class Size
Large
While 62% finish in 4 years, 92.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,774
In-State
$50,974
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,426
Books & Supplies
$1,386
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,238
After Financial Aid
$14,741
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,211
Receive Grants
31.4%
Take Loans
19.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $41,238/yr for in-state students, including $19,426 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,741. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $50,974.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of California-Davis fund their education.
While in School
31.4%
Get Grants
Free money
19.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,783
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$138/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of California-Davis.
Gender
58.6%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
32,253
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,792
Graduates
40.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
3.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 40.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 12.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
32,253
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Bike-friendly campus and town
- +Strong agricultural and veterinary programs
- +Friendly, collaborative campus culture
- +Sacramento access for government internships
Cons
- -Davis is a small town with limited nightlife
- -Sacramento is 20 minutes away for more options
- -Flat terrain and farm smells can be off-putting
- -Large class sizes in introductory courses
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Davis fields 16 varsity teams with 771 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
16
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
771
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
39% / 61%
302
Men
469
Women
8
Men's Teams
14
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of California-Davisearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$80,838
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Research and Experimental Psychology
$32K
958 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$53K
502 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$35K
430 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$50K
417 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
—
411 grads
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$30K
394 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $58K six years out, climb to $57K by year eight, and reach $81K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Davis
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Davis?▾
How much does University of California-Davis cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Davis?▾
How much do University of California-Davis graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.