University of California Davis

About University of California Davis

The University of California, Davis stands as one of the nation's preeminent public research universities, distinguished by its origins as an agricultural campus that has blossomed into a comprehensive institution of extraordinary breadth and impact. Located in the Sacramento Valley just fifteen miles west of California's capital city, UC Davis maintains a 5,300-acre campus that remains one of the largest in the University of California system. Founded in 1905 as the University Farm, the institution achieved full campus status in 1959 and has since developed world-class programs across the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and professional fields. The university serves approximately 31,800 students who benefit from the distinctive combination of a major research university's resources with the genuine community feel of a college town setting. UC Davis's acceptance rate of approximately 42% reflects its commitment to broad access within the context of academic excellence, embodying the land-grant mission of serving the people of California and beyond. The campus is renowned for its friendly, collaborative atmosphere, often described as uniquely welcoming among major research institutions. Students, faculty, and staff share a genuine commitment to sustainability, innovation, and addressing society's most pressing challenges through research, education, and public engagement.

Admission to UC Davis operates through the University of California's comprehensive review process, which evaluates applicants holistically based on academic achievement, personal qualities, and potential for contribution to the campus community. The university admits approximately 42% of applicants, with the incoming class typically comprising students who have excelled in rigorous high school curricula while demonstrating engagement beyond the classroom. California residents receive priority consideration consistent with the UC system's public mission, though out-of-state and international students comprise important portions of each entering class. The university has eliminated standardized test requirements, evaluating applicants based on their academic records, personal insight essays, and documented achievements and activities. Successful applicants typically present strong grade point averages, particularly in the academic subjects most predictive of college success, and coursework that has challenged them appropriately within their high school contexts. Personal insight essays offer opportunities to share perspectives, experiences, and qualities not captured elsewhere in the application, and the university values authentic voices over formulaic responses. Transfer students represent a vital pathway, with the university maintaining strong partnerships with California community colleges that facilitate successful transition to UC Davis. Prospective students benefit from campus visits, information sessions, and engagement with current students and alumni who can share authentic perspectives on the Davis experience.

UC Davis offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and nearly 100 graduate programs organized across four colleges and six professional schools that together address nearly every domain of human knowledge and endeavor. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences maintains historic strength in areas including viticulture and enology, sustainable agriculture, food science, and environmental studies that have shaped California's $50 billion agricultural industry. The College of Engineering has achieved particular distinction in biological engineering, computer science, and sustainable technology development. The College of Letters and Science encompasses the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematical sciences, providing the broad educational foundation that characterizes the liberal arts tradition. The College of Biological Sciences supports cutting-edge research in genetics, neurobiology, microbiology, and related fields that address fundamental questions about living systems. Professional schools in veterinary medicine, law, management, medicine, nursing, and education each maintain positions of national prominence. The veterinary school consistently ranks among the best in the nation, reflecting the institution's agricultural heritage and ongoing commitment to animal health and welfare. Undergraduate students benefit from opportunities to engage in faculty-mentored research, with thousands participating in original scholarship annually. The quarter system academic calendar enables students to explore more courses and subjects than traditional semester systems allow.

Student Life & Environment

Life at UC Davis unfolds within one of America's most bike-friendly communities, where students pedal between classes on an extensive network of paths that crisscross the expansive campus and connect to the charming downtown area. The university community has embraced cycling as both transportation and lifestyle, with more bicycles per capita than any other American city. Beyond biking, students engage with over 800 registered student organizations spanning academic interests, cultural identities, political perspectives, recreational pursuits, and service commitments. The campus hosts a thriving Greek system, competitive club sports, and Division I athletics that compete in the Big West Conference across most sports. The UC Davis Aggies inspire genuine school spirit, particularly during rivalry competitions with other UC campuses. Campus dining incorporates locally sourced ingredients and emphasizes sustainability, reflecting the institution's agricultural expertise and environmental values. The Activities and Recreation Center provides extensive fitness facilities, while the university's location enables outdoor recreation ranging from hiking in the nearby Coast Ranges to skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Residential communities create close-knit living environments where students forge lasting friendships, and themed housing options allow students with shared interests to live and learn together. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion supports students from all backgrounds in finding their place within this vibrant academic community.

Location & Surroundings

Davis, California offers a quintessential college town experience distinguished by a progressive character, environmental consciousness, and genuine community atmosphere. The compact downtown features local restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and specialty retailers within easy walking or biking distance of campus, creating the informal gathering spaces essential to intellectual and social life. The city has earned recognition as one of the most sustainable communities in the nation, with extensive green space, environmental programs, and a citizenry genuinely committed to ecological responsibility. Just fifteen miles from downtown Sacramento, students access the resources of California's capital city, including professional sports, cultural institutions, government agencies, and diverse dining and entertainment options. The university's position in the Central Valley places students within reasonable driving distance of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, the Napa and Sonoma wine regions, and numerous state and national parks. Agricultural landscapes surround the campus, providing context for the institution's historic mission and ongoing research in food systems and environmental stewardship. The Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm, dry summers ideal for outdoor activities and agricultural research. This location provides meaningful opportunities for internships and professional connections with state government, agricultural industries, technology companies, and healthcare systems throughout the Sacramento region.

Costs & Career Outcomes

UC Davis provides exceptional educational value as a public research university, with California resident tuition and fees significantly lower than comparable private institutions while offering access to world-class faculty, facilities, and opportunities. For the current academic year, California residents can expect tuition and fees of approximately $14,500, while nonresidents face additional charges that bring total tuition to approximately $44,000. Total cost of attendance including housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses reaches approximately $38,000 for residents and $68,000 for nonresidents. The university administers substantial financial aid programs, with the majority of California resident students receiving grant aid that reduces or eliminates the cost of attendance. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan guarantees that California families with household income below $80,000 pay no tuition or system fees. Career outcomes for UC Davis graduates reflect the quality of education and the institution's strong connections throughout California's diverse economy. The Internship and Career Center connects students with employers across industries, while the Alumni Association provides networking opportunities with over 300,000 graduates worldwide. Particularly strong employment pipelines exist in agriculture and food systems, technology, healthcare, government service, and environmental organizations. Graduate school placement is excellent, with medical school, veterinary school, law school, and doctoral programs regularly welcoming UC Davis alumni. The combination of educational quality, affordability, and career preparation makes UC Davis an outstanding investment in future success.