Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Davis, California |
| Online | ucdavis.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small Suburban |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UC Davis is rated within the top 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of California Davis within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#99 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in California
#5 in Best Public Colleges in California
#57 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1160/1400 |
| ACT | 25/33 |
| GPA | 4.0 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $80 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,381 |
| Other Fees | $3,413 |
| Room and Board | $19,068 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,359 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,055 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,381 |
| Other Fees | $3,413 |
| Room and Board | $19,068 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,359 |
| Total One Year Cost | $71,832 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Biology | 19% |
| Social Sciences | 19% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Engineering | 7% |
| Foreign Languages | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UC Davis are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110644 IPEDS survey data for University of California Davis.
Current students may use the University of California Davis GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025