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University of California-Davis

📍 Davis, California · Founded 1905

Overview

41.63%
Acceptance Rate
32
US News Ranking
39,687
Total Enrollment
$80,838
Median Salary
$15,288
Tuition (per year)
$13,000
Average Debt
85.7%
Graduation Rate
21:1
Student–Faculty Ratio

University of California-Davis is a public land-grant research university located in Davis, California, and is part of the University of California system. Established in 1905, it began as the University Farm before evolving into a comprehensive research university. UC Davis offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is particularly known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, environmental science, and engineering. The university operates additional facilities in Sacramento and other locations, supporting research, health sciences, and public service. Students are often drawn to UC Davis for its large suburban campus, strong research activity, and integration within the broader UC system.

Admission Requirements

SAT Math
SAT Critical Reading
ACT

With a 41.63% acceptance rate, University of California-Davis is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,247
In-state Tuition
$46,024
Out-of-state Tuition
$15,288
Average cost after aid

History

University of California-Davis was founded in 1905 as the University Farm, created to provide practical agricultural training for students of the University of California. Located in Davis, California, the campus expanded its academic scope in 1922 when it introduced a four-year degree program and became the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture. It was later renamed the College of Agriculture at Davis in 1938. In 1959, University of California-Davis was formally designated as a general campus within the University of California system, broadening its mission beyond agriculture to include liberal arts, sciences, and professional education. Over the following decades, UC Davis developed graduate and research programs and established additional centers, including facilities in Sacramento. Today, University of California-Davis is recognized as a major public research university within the UC system.

Campus life

Total students39,687

Gender

Men40.81%
Women59.19%

Race & ethnicity

Undergraduate race and ethnicity

University of California-Davis has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning classes may be larger, especially in introductory courses. While lecture-based learning may be more common, students still have opportunities to connect with professors through office hours, discussion sections, and academic advising.

Applying to University of California-Davis with Unive

Applying to University of California-Davis involves submitting an application through the University of California system, including academic records, personal insight responses, and information about extracurricular involvement. As a selective public research institution, University of California-Davis evaluates applicants through a comprehensive review process that considers academic achievement, course rigor, and personal background. Prospective students should pay close attention to UC application deadlines and campus-specific program requirements.

Financial Aid at University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis participates in federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs designed to make attendance more affordable. Eligible students can apply for grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans by completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. University of California-Davis also offers campus-based scholarships and support programs to assist California residents and out-of-state students in managing tuition and living expenses.

Build a Stronger Application with Unive

Unive helps students prepare competitive applications to University of California-Davis by providing AI-powered guidance on personal insight essays, extracurricular planning, and overall application positioning. Students can receive structured feedback to refine their writing, clarify academic goals, and highlight meaningful achievements. Unive also supports financial aid discovery, helping applicants identify scholarship opportunities and better understand their options when applying to University of California-Davis.

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Quick Facts
TypePublic
Founded1905
Graduates7910
Undergrad Enrollment31777
SettingSmall Suburb
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