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University of California-Davis

Public#34HSISuburb: Small

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

AgricultureVeterinary MedicineBike-Friendly CampusEnvironmental Science

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

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
41.8%

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

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
85.7%

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%

Low

Default 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

31.4%
25.1%
19.9%
12.9%
6.6%
1.7%
Asian
Hispanic
White
International
Multiracial
Black

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

RuralCity
Suburb: Small

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

MenWomen
181
Track & XC
116
Football
66
Soccer
56
Water Polo
43
Baseball

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country181Football116Soccer66Water Polo56Baseball43Swimming & Diving40Basketball39Lacrosse38Equestrian37Beach Volleyball31Field Hockey26Softball22Tennis21Volleyball20Gymnastics18Golf17

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

$58K
6yr
$57K
8yr
$81K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Research 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?
University of California-Davis has an acceptance rate of 41.8%. University of California-Davis is moderately selective at 41.8%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
How much does University of California-Davis cost?
Tuition at University of California-Davis is $16,774 for in-state students and $50,974 for out-of-state students. 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.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Davis?
University of California-Davis has a graduation rate of 85.7%. 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.
How much do University of California-Davis graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of California-Davis graduates is $80,838 ten years after enrollment. 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.

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.