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University of California-Davis

Davis, CA·Public·31,777 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,100 within 10 years; strong 85% graduation rate.

42%
Accept
31,777
Students
$15,288
Net Price
85%
Grad Rate
$68,100
Earnings
10 yr
$11,000
Debt

About This School

University of California-Davis is a public institution located in Davis, California with approximately 31,777 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 42% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $15,288 per year. The graduation rate is 85%, and the typical graduate earns $68,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of California, Davis is a public land-grant research university in the Davis, California area, United States. It is the northernmost of the ten campuses of the University of California system. The institution was first founded as an agricultural branch of the system in 1905 and became the sixth campus of the University of California in 1959.

This is a strong option for students who want a reputable UC education at a genuinely affordable price — the average net cost of $15,288/year and a median debt of just $11,000 at graduation are unusually low for a research university of this caliber. The 85% graduation rate and 93% freshman retention signal that most students who enroll actually finish, and median earnings of $68,100 a decade out reflect solid long-term value. The 42% acceptance rate makes it accessible without feeling like a fallback, though the large undergraduate enrollment of nearly 32,000 means you'll need to be proactive about connecting with professors and resources.

Founded
1905
Setting
Small suburb
Mascot
Gunrock

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences18%
Social Sciences14%
Psychology10%
Engineering9%
Business & Marketing6%
Computer Science5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Mathematics4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Dian FosseyCharles M. RiceTracy Caldwell DysonPeter SnellAria GiovanniStephen RobinsonKaren Joy FowlerAnn VenemanBonnie L. BasslerHasan MinhajJackie SpeierCathy Carr

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,247
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,024
Avg Net Price
$15,288
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$11,000

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$38,067

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
85%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$45,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White21%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino25%
Asian31%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (31,777 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of California-Davis

One Shields Avenue

Davis, CA 95616-8678

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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