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University of California Davis

9/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Davis, CA
5.0 1 review

#12 Best Public Universities in America

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

40,065

Location Davis, California
Website ucdavis.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small Suburban

Best Colleges Rank

#100

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Located in the agricultural heart of California's Central Valley, UC Davis sits three miles from downtown Davis and 15 miles west of Sacramento. The campus spans over 5,300 acres, featuring a mix of modern and brutalist architecture alongside extensive research facilities, including experimental farms and veterinary medicine centers. Established in 1908 as the University Farm, UC Davis has evolved from an agricultural extension of UC Berkeley to become a comprehensive public research university, gaining full UC campus status in 1959. The university maintains selective admission standards and is particularly recognized for its programs in veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biological sciences. Students typically reside in campus dormitories during their first year, with many upperclassmen living in the surrounding city of Davis, known for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and sustainable community planning.

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Ratings

UC Davis is rated within the top 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

Overall Rating

9 out of 10
Academics

10 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

9 out of 10
Value

10 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for University of California Davis within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High

GPA 4.0

Acceptance Rate

41.8%

Applications Due Nov 30, 2026
Enrollment Rate 16.4%
Application Fee $80

Applicant Competition Average

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Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$16,774

Out of State Resident Tuition

$50,974

Breakdown

Tuition $16,774
Books and Supplies $1,386
Other Fees $3,628
Room and Board $19,426
Budget for Other Expenses $6,616
Total One Year Cost $47,830

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$65,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

82% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of California Davis are Biology, Social Sciences, and Psychology. 19% of students major in Biology, 19% in Social Sciences, and 10% in Psychology.