University of California-Davis
University of California-Davis has an acceptance rate of 41.8%, annual tuition of $16,774, average net price of $14,741, and a national rank of #42 (Grade A), with a 88.9% graduation rate, about 32,253 undergraduates, and median earnings of $73,086 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer and Information Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.8% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 114.1%, roughly 64.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of California-Davis Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Davis graduates 88.9% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 92.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Davis's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,774 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,386 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,426 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,616 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $41,238 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.4% of University of California-Davis students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,211 to $31,272 depending on family income. Use University of California-Davis's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,294/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,272/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $73,086
- 10-Year Median Earnings $80,838
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.1%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Davis graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of California-Davis vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Davis's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Davis's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Davis graduates report median earnings of $73,086 four years after graduation, +21% above the national median. The 114.1% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 32,253
- Full-Time Students 97.5%
- Part-Time Students 2.5%
- Retention Rate 92.8%
- Graduation Rate 88.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into University of California-Davis
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Davis requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 41.8%, University of California-Davis is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Davis accepts 41.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Davis undergraduates. Research and Experimental Psychology, Economics, and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods draw the most students.
- Research and Experimental Psychology 8.6%
- Economics 6.5%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 6.3%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 4.3%
- Biology, General 3.6%
- Animal Sciences 3.5%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 3.4%
- Computer Science 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $146,640
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $143,465
- 3. Engineering, General $124,810
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $109,456
- 5. Statistics $107,082
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $105,286
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $99,885
- 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $98,457
- 9. Civil Engineering $98,091
- 10. Applied Mathematics $95,412
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $202,075
- 2. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $175,076
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $172,861
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $161,298
- 5. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $144,086
- 6. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $136,811
- 7. Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (First Professional Degree) $128,817
- 8. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $128,179
- 9. Law (First Professional Degree) $120,830
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $113,537
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $146,640—54% more than Applied Mathematics ($95,412). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $202,075 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of California-Davis. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 806 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 606 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 593 graduates)
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degree, 406 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 341 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (85 programs)â–¼
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Biology, General
- Animal Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Political Science and Government
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Genetics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Philosophy
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Biotechnology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Materials Engineering
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Plant Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Area Studies
- International Agriculture
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Music
- Marine Sciences
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Science, Technology and Society
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Forestry
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Soil Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Psychology, General
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental Design
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
Online Master's Degrees (80 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Accounting and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Statistics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Security Science and Technology
- Food Science and Technology
- International Agriculture
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Plant Sciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Psychology, General
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Genetics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Soil Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Animal Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Agricultural Engineering
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations
Online Doctoral Degrees (57 programs)â–¼
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Physics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Plant Sciences
- Philosophy
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Genetics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Nutrition Sciences
- History
- Food Science and Technology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Materials Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Soil Sciences
- Music
- Agricultural Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Engineering Physics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Health
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Landscape Architecture
- Sustainability Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Veterinary Medicine
- Medicine
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 32,253
- Full-Time Students 97.5%
- Part-Time Students 2.5%
- Male Students 41.4%
- Female Students 58.6%
- Caucasian 19.9%
- Asian 31.4%
- Hispanic 25.1%
- Black 1.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Davis's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Davis's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Davis support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Davis, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Davis has a diverse student body, with 19.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Davis support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Davis, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Davis delivers an 114.1% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #42 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 88.9% graduation rate and $73,086 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $14,741 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 92.8% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of California-Davis's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | National Rank: #42 of 1962 | 91.0/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $14,741 annually, University of California-Davis costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 114.1% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($73,086 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 192 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of California-Davis balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 88.9% graduation rate sits 26.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.8% first-year retention is 16.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 114.1% return on investment is 64.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $73,086 run about 21% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,741 is roughly $5,338 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.4% trails the national share by 3.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Davis, a public university in Davis, CA, secures a A grade in our latest review. It holds a #42 national ranking Category results include Completion (A-), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
92.8% of learners come back after year one while 88.9% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 114.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,741 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $41,238.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,497 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $73,086 four years after graduation. This is roughly 21% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 89.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 114.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
41.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Davis admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-Davis's acceptance rate?
University of California-Davis's acceptance rate is 41.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of California-Davis cost?
At University of California-Davis, listed tuition and fees are $16,774 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,741. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-Davis's ranking?
University of California-Davis ranks #42 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-Davis's graduation rate?
At University of California-Davis, the graduation rate is 88.9%, and first-year retention is 92.8%.
What are University of California-Davis's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Davis report median earnings of $73,086 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-Davis's student population?
University of California-Davis enrolls about 32,253 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Davis, CA 95616-8678
- Website ucdavis.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$681.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate4.9%