UC Davis has transformed its image from "ag school" to thorough research university without losing its distinctive character. With 39,000 students and California's leading veterinary program, Davis attracts serious scientists and students passionate about agriculture, environmental studies, and life sciences. The campus northeast of Sacramento balances academic rigor with the collegial, less-cutthroat environment that distinguishes it from Berkeley and UCLA. Engineering programs rival those flagships, while agriculture and veterinary medicine remain nationally ranked. The bicycle culture and eco-conscious community reflect both student values and institutional commitment to sustainability. Strong research funding supports undergraduate participation in legitimate faculty projects.
Teaching remains central to the Davis mission — professors value undergraduate instruction and maintain genuine mentoring relationships. Introductory courses run large, but upper-level seminars shrink to manageable sizes where dialogue becomes possible. The university honors the UC commitment to access, enrolling talented students regardless of economic background. Undergraduate research opportunities proliferate, particularly in sciences, and students regularly present findings at conferences. Library facilities support serious inquiry, and technology infrastructure keeps pace with peer institutions. The honors program and residential colleges encourage smaller intellectual communities within the larger university.
Student life embraces outdoors-oriented values: students bike to class year-round, recreational opportunities abound in nearby Sierra foothills, and environmental activism shapes campus discourse. The social scene succeeds without emphasizing Greek life (roughly 8 percent participate), instead centering on clubs, outdoor activities, and downtown Sacramento trips. The town of Davis feels genuinely college-oriented and walkable. Housing remains affordable compared to coastal UCs, and the student body represents California's diversity meaningfully. Faculty and students report genuine community, where intellectual curiosity coexists with down-to-earth friendliness rarely found at larger research institutions.
About University of California, Davis (UCD)
University of California, Davis (UCD) is a public institution with a total enrollment of approximately 32,253 students. With an acceptance rate of 41.83%, University of California, Davis (UCD) is moderately selective, offering a competitive but accessible admissions process. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1, reflecting the university's commitment to providing meaningful interaction between students and instructors.
Academically, University of California, Davis (UCD) demonstrates strong student outcomes. The freshman retention rate stands at 93%, indicating that the majority of first-year students return for their sophomore year — a key indicator of student satisfaction and academic support. The overall graduation rate is 86%.
Cost and Financial Aid at University of California, Davis (UCD)
Understanding the true cost of attendance is critical for prospective students. In-state tuition and fees at University of California, Davis (UCD) are approximately $16,774 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $50,974. After accounting for financial aid, the average net price is $14,741, which represents what students actually pay out of pocket.
Financial aid is widely available: 63% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, with the average aid package totaling $18,523. Specifically, 34% of students receive federal grants, averaging $4,845 per recipient. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize their aid eligibility.
Admissions at a Glance
Prospective students should note the following admissions benchmarks for University of California, Davis (UCD): SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores in the 510 - 630 range; SAT Math scores in the 560 - 710 range; ACT Composite scores between 25 - 31; an average GPA of 3.970. These figures represent the middle 50% of admitted students and should be used as a general guide rather than strict cutoffs.