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University of California-Davis

UC Davis

Davis, California 95616-8678

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Sciences-focusedLarge campusSuburbanGreek life

Top graduate earnings — known for biology

University of California-Davis is a public institution in Davis with particular strength in biology and psychology.

A large campus of 31.8K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

85% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $80,838 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,288.

Established
1905
Motto
Fiat lux
Mascot
Gunrock the Mustang
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
NCAA Division I sports league
Division
Division I

Plan Your Visit

42%Acceptance
SAT Avg
31,777Students
21:1Student:Faculty
85%Grad Rate
$80,838Earnings 10yr
$15,288Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate41.6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$15,247
Tuition (out-of-state)$46,024
Room & Board$19,068
Books & Supplies$1,381
Total Cost of Attendance$38,067
Average Net Price$15,288
Median Debt at Graduation$13,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$138

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$8,594
$30–48K$9,472
$48–75K$12,304
$75–110K$17,988
$110K+$31,258

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

77.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$11,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

225

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

52

Burglary

10

Aggravated Assault

7

Robbery

17

Motor Vehicle Theft

25

Sex Offenses

2

Arson

64

Drug Arrests

48

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (251)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

93%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
31,777
Gender Split
59% / 41%
Women / Men
First Generation
41%
Pell Grant Recipients
31%

Race & Ethnicity

White 21%
Black 2%
Hispanic 25%
Asian 31%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 13%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate85.1%
Freshman Retention93.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$58,461
10 Years$80,838

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#32
vs 2024
Forbes
#43
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#26
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Division

Crew clubBasketballTennisSwimmingIndoor trackRowing

History & Fun Facts

  • He was later honored as the "founder" of UC Davis in 1962, when the Shields Oak Grove on campus was named after him, and again posthumously in 1972 when the campus library was named after him.
  • On March 18, 1905, the University Farm Bill was enacted, which called for the establishment of a farm for the University of California.
  • The regents officially took control of the property in September 1906 and constructed four buildings in 1907.
  • Short courses were first offered at the University Farm in October and November 1908.
  • On January 5, 1909, the University Farm School officially opened for instruction.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

146Very High

Estimated from CA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

San Franciscopop. 870K
64 mi(111 min)
Los Angelespop. 3.9M
366 mi(634 min)
San Diegopop. 1.4M
478 mi(829 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

SMF Sacramento14 mi
SFO San Francisco72 mi
SJC San Jose82 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA2639 mi · ~76h 14m drive
New York, NY2514 mi · ~72h 38m drive
Hartford, CT2566 mi · ~74h 8m drive
Providence, RI2629 mi · ~75h 57m drive
Albany, NY2500 mi · ~72h 13m drive
Syracuse, NY2376 mi · ~68h 38m drive
Rochester, NY2302 mi · ~66h 30m drive
Buffalo, NY2241 mi · ~64h 44m drive
Philadelphia, PA2466 mi · ~71h 14m drive
Pittsburgh, PA2209 mi · ~63h 49m drive
Harrisburg, PA2372 mi · ~68h 31m drive
Newark, NJ2505 mi · ~72h 22m drive
Washington, DC2386 mi · ~68h 56m drive
Baltimore, MD2401 mi · ~69h 22m drive
Atlanta, GA2096 mi · ~60h 33m drive
Charlotte, NC2254 mi · ~65h 7m drive
Raleigh, NC2360 mi · ~68h 11m drive
Miami, FL2561 mi · ~73h 59m drive
Orlando, FL2404 mi · ~69h 27m drive
Tampa, FL2365 mi · ~68h 19m drive
Nashville, TN1916 mi · ~55h 21m drive
New Orleans, LA1893 mi · ~54h 41m drive
Richmond, VA2389 mi · ~69h 1m drive
Chicago, IL1803 mi · ~52h 5m drive
Detroit, MI2035 mi · ~58h 47m drive
Minneapolis, MN1525 mi · ~44h 3m drive
St. Louis, MO1696 mi · ~49h drive
Kansas City, MO1458 mi · ~42h 7m drive
Indianapolis, IN1896 mi · ~54h 46m drive
Columbus, OH2059 mi · ~59h 29m drive
Cleveland, OH2110 mi · ~60h 57m drive
Milwaukee, WI1785 mi · ~51h 34m drive
Dallas, TX1451 mi · ~41h 55m drive
Houston, TX1619 mi · ~46h 46m drive
Austin, TX1477 mi · ~42h 40m drive
San Antonio, TX1468 mi · ~42h 25m drive
Los Angeles, CA366 mi · ~10h 34m drive
San Francisco, CA64 mi · ~1h 51m drive
San Diego, CA478 mi · ~13h 49m drive
Seattle, WA627 mi · ~18h 7m drive
Portland, OR484 mi · ~13h 59m drive
Denver, CO901 mi · ~26h 2m drive
Phoenix, AZ645 mi · ~18h 38m drive
Salt Lake City, UT546 mi · ~15h 46m drive
Honolulu, HI2446 mi · ~70h 40m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

University of California-Davis Application Checklist

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