University of California Davis

Davis, CA US News #28

37.0%

Acceptance Rate

1340

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

4.1

Avg GPA

UC Davis stands as one of America's leading public research universities, distinguished by particular excellence in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and biological sciences. Founded in 1905 as the University Farm, UC Davis has evolved into a comprehensive research institution serving over 40,000 students while maintaining its identity as an agricultural powerhouse. The expansive campus in California's Central Valley features an unusual combination of academic buildings, research farms, and equestrian facilities. UC Davis's agricultural heritage shapes its distinctive character. The university maintains the largest campus in the UC system, with research farms, vineyards, and animal facilities integrated into academic life. This practical, hands-on orientation extends beyond agriculture to characterize teaching and research across disciplines. Research excellence drives UC Davis's mission, with annual expenditures exceeding $900 million. The university leads nationally in agricultural and environmental research while maintaining strong programs in engineering, health sciences, and the humanities. The UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento provides clinical training and community healthcare. The Aggie community emphasizes sustainability, outdoor recreation, and collaborative learning. The campus is famous for its bike-friendly culture, with thousands of students cycling between classes on an extensive network of paths. This active, environmentally conscious atmosphere distinguishes UC Davis from other major research universities.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 37.0%
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Avg GPA: 4.1

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

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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.