University of California-Davis

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at UC Davis unfolds within what is widely recognized as America's most bicycle-friendly college community, where students navigate campus and downtown on an extensive network of paths that make cycling the preferred mode of transportation. This commitment to cycling reflects broader campus values around sustainability, health, and community that permeate daily life. Beyond the ubiquitous bicycles, students engage with more than 800 registered student organizations representing the full spectrum of academic interests, cultural identities, political perspectives, and recreational pursuits. The Greek community provides social and service opportunities for interested students, while competitive club sports and intramural leagues offer athletic engagement beyond the Division I varsity programs. UC Davis Aggies compete in the Big West Conference across most sports, inspiring genuine school spirit and community pride. The campus Activities and Recreation Center provides state-of-the-art fitness facilities available to all students, while the outdoor program connects students with hiking, camping, and adventure opportunities throughout Northern California. Residential life creates supportive communities where students form lasting friendships, and themed housing options unite students with shared interests. Campus dining emphasizes local sourcing and sustainability consistent with the university's agricultural expertise. The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts brings world-class performances to campus, enriching cultural life. Throughout their time at Davis, students discover a genuine community that supports academic success while fostering personal growth and lifelong connections.

Location & Surroundings

Davis occupies a distinctive position in California's geographic and cultural landscape, offering the intimate character of a college town alongside convenient access to Sacramento and the broader Northern California region. The city of approximately 70,000 residents has developed around the university, creating a symbiotic relationship where town and gown genuinely intermingle. Downtown Davis features locally-owned restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and boutiques that provide informal gathering spaces essential to college life, all accessible via the extensive bicycle infrastructure that distinguishes this community. The city has earned recognition for environmental sustainability, with green building standards, extensive parks, and community programs that model responsible stewardship. Sacramento, just fifteen miles east, provides the resources of California's capital city, including professional sports, cultural institutions, diverse dining options, and access to state government internships and employment. The university's Central Valley location places students within reasonable driving distance of San Francisco, the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe, and the renowned Napa and Sonoma wine country. The Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm summers that support year-round outdoor activities and agricultural research. The surrounding agricultural landscape provides living context for the university's historic mission while enabling research partnerships with farms, wineries, and food companies throughout the region. This location offers meaningful advantages for students interested in agriculture, environmental science, government, and healthcare.

Costs & Career Outcomes

UC Davis delivers exceptional educational value as a public research university, offering California residents access to world-class education at tuition rates substantially below those of comparable private institutions. California residents currently pay approximately $14,500 in tuition and fees, while nonresident students face additional charges that bring total tuition to approximately $44,000 annually. Total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses, reaches approximately $38,000 for California residents and $68,000 for nonresidents. The university administers comprehensive financial aid programs that significantly reduce costs for qualifying families, with the majority of California students receiving grant assistance. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan ensures that California families with household income below $80,000 pay no tuition or system fees. Career outcomes for UC Davis graduates reflect both educational quality and the institution's strong connections with employers throughout California's diverse economy. The Internship and Career Center provides comprehensive services including career counseling, job search support, employer connections, and internship placement that prepare students for successful transitions to professional life. Particularly strong employment pipelines exist in agriculture and food systems, technology, healthcare, government, environmental organizations, and education. Graduate and professional school acceptance rates are excellent, with medical, veterinary, law, and doctoral programs regularly welcoming Davis alumni. The Alumni Association connects current students with over 300,000 graduates worldwide, facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities. This combination of quality, affordability, and outcomes makes UC Davis an outstanding educational investment.

Compare with Similar Universities