University of California-Davis
University of California-Davis has an acceptance rate of 41.8%, an average net price of $14,318, and an overall rank of #86 (Grade A). About 85.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $78,644 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.
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 125.5%, roughly 75.6 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 85.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 88.0% and keeps 92.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B 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
Est. annual aid gap: $28,873 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $17,346 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,463 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,437 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,962 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,191 |
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 35.7% of University of California-Davis students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $8,770 to $32,902 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 $15,645/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $32,902/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $78,644
- 10-Year Median Earnings $86,999
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $12,038
- Debt-to-Earnings ~15.3%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.1%
- Employment Rate 92.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Davis graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 $78,644 five years after graduation, 28% above the national median. The 125.5% 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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 85.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 88.0%
- 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, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Research and Experimental Psychology 10.6%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 5.6%
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Computer Science 4.6%
- Economics 4.6%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 4.4%
See more majors
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 3.7%
- Political Science and Government 3.7%
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 and Information Sciences, General $157,048
- 2. Computer Engineering $150,764
- 3. Engineering, General $126,694
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Statistics $111,930
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $111,594
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering $111,260
- 7. Biotechnology $109,020
- 8. Chemical Engineering $108,330
- 9. Civil Engineering $106,427
- 10. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $103,711
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $211,865
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $175,197
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $172,102
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Physics (Doctoral Degree) $161,107
- 5. Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (First Professional Degree) $154,716
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $150,860
- 7. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $147,355
- 8. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $139,149
- 9. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $137,264
- 10. Law (First Professional Degree) $136,024
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $157,048—51% more than Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($103,711). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $211,865 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 958 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 502 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 430 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 417 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 411 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (91 programs)▼
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Political Science and Government
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Animal Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Design and Applied Arts
- Statistics
- Cognitive Science
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Civil Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Anthropology
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Nutrition Sciences
- Genetics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Food Science and Technology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biotechnology
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Physics
- Chemical Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Music
- Materials Engineering
- Area Studies
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Marine Sciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Forestry
- Biochemical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- International Agriculture
- Science, Technology and Society
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Soil Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Psychology, General
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
- Landscape Architecture
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Environmental Design
- Engineering, General
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
- Data Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online Master's Degrees (82 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Education, General
- Civil Engineering
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Statistics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Plant Sciences
- Public Health
- Economics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Security Science and Technology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Genetics
- Chemistry
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Animal Sciences
- Sociology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Materials Engineering
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Soil Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Nutrition Sciences
- Music
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Chemical Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- International Agriculture
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Physics
- Communication and Media Studies
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Psychology, General
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Genetics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Anthropology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Materials Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Statistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Plant Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Soil Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Food Science and Technology
- Political Science and Government
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Landscape Architecture
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- 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 35.7%
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
Ranking #86 overall, University of California-Davis combines competitive admissions with 125.5% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $78,644 in median earnings.
Students graduate within 150% of normal time at a 85.7% rate, with 92.8% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $14,318 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 182 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of California-Davis's Market Position
A grade | #86 of 1955 | 95.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of California-Davis occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 125.5% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $14,318 annually produces $78,644 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of California-Davis should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of California-Davis's #86 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 182 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 85.7% graduation rate sits 23.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.8% first-year retention is 16.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 125.5% return on investment is 75.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $78,644 run about 28% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,318 is roughly $5,563 lower than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 92.6% employment rate within three years sits 24.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 35.7% trails the national share by 2.8 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 an A grade in our latest review. It holds a #86 overall ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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 85.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (88.0% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 125.5% 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 $14,318 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,191.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,873 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,038 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.7% 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 $78,644 five years after graduation. This is roughly 28% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 125.5% according to U.S. Department of Education 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-Davis: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-davis/
MLA (9th): “University of California-Davis: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-davis/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-Davis: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-davis/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does University of California-Davis cost?
At University of California-Davis, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,318 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $43,191 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $17,346. 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 #86 overall in EDsmart's 2027 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 within 150% of normal time is 85.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 88.0%, 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 $78,644 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education 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 U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address One Shields Avenue, 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 Rate8.3%