About University of California-Davis
UC Davis stands out as a powerhouse for students passionate about agriculture, veterinary medicine, and sustainability research. The university enrolls 31,777 students in a small suburban setting that feels like a quintessential college town. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson and former Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman exemplify the school's tradition of producing leaders in science and public service. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace. Students here are serious about making an impact on food systems, animal health, and environmental challenges.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $8,594 after aid, while even those from higher-income families see reasonable net prices. Graduates earn a median of $80,838 ten years after graduation, making the typical $13,000 in student debt very manageable at $138 monthly payments. The 83.11% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their obligations comfortably.
The student body is diverse, with 31.34% Asian students and 24.57% Hispanic students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women make up 59.19% of enrollment. The Aggies compete in 22 Division I sports, though academics clearly take center stage. With a 93.37% retention rate, students stick around once they discover Davis's unique blend of modern research and small-town charm.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $8,594 after aid, while even those from higher-income families see reasonable net prices. Graduates earn a median of $80,838 ten years after graduation, making the typical $13,000 in student debt very manageable at $138 monthly payments. The 83.11% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their obligations comfortably.
The student body is diverse, with 31.34% Asian students and 24.57% Hispanic students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women make up 59.19% of enrollment. The Aggies compete in 22 Division I sports, though academics clearly take center stage. With a 93.37% retention rate, students stick around once they discover Davis's unique blend of modern research and small-town charm.
Academics & Faculty
UC Davis operates as a major public research university with world-well-known programs in veterinary medicine and agricultural sciences. The university pioneered sustainable farming research and remains a global leader in agricultural innovation. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities across 22 varsity sports and diverse academic fields. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at private institutions, but the 85.7% four-year graduation rate shows strong academic support systems. The quarter system keeps coursework fast-paced and intensive. Beyond agriculture, UC Davis has developed strong programs in engineering, biological sciences, and environmental studies that leverage its research university status.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.1%
- Retention Rate
- 93.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,838
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $135,393 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $125,015 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $116,258 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $104,749 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $98,186 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $97,959 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $87,604 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $82,440 |
| Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences. | Doctoral | $81,886 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,609 |
Campus Life
Davis sits 15 miles west of Sacramento and 72 miles northeast of San Francisco, giving students access to California's capital and the Bay Area. The campus spans 5,300 acres of flat terrain perfect for biking, which becomes the primary mode of transportation for most students. With housing capacity for 16,548 students on a campus of 31,777, about half live in dorms or campus apartments.
The Central Valley location means hot, dry summers and mild winters with little rain. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat, though mornings can be cool. Students flock to the campus quad and arboretum on weekends, while the college town offers farmers markets and local coffee shops within biking distance. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk with 93.37% of students returning each year. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at other UCs. Instead, students often gather around agricultural research projects or intramural sports, embracing the "Aggie" identity that celebrates both academic rigor and down-to-earth campus culture.
The Central Valley location means hot, dry summers and mild winters with little rain. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat, though mornings can be cool. Students flock to the campus quad and arboretum on weekends, while the college town offers farmers markets and local coffee shops within biking distance. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk with 93.37% of students returning each year. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at other UCs. Instead, students often gather around agricultural research projects or intramural sports, embracing the "Aggie" identity that celebrates both academic rigor and down-to-earth campus culture.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 16,548 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
477 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 167 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 98 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 38 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 34 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 14 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 16 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 13 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–55°F
- July Avg
- 57°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
UC Davis draws a diverse student body of 31,777 that reflects California's changing demographics. Asian students make up the largest racial group at over 30%, followed closely by Hispanic students at nearly 25%. Women outnumber men , likely drawn to the school's strong life sciences and veterinary programs. About three-quarters of students come from within California, showing the university's deep roots in serving the state. The substantial Pell Grant recipient population demonstrates Davis's commitment to accessibility, while the academic profile attracts students serious about research in agriculture, environmental science, and animal health.
- Men
- 40.8%
- Women
- 59.2%
- White
- 20.5%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 24.6%
- Asian
- 31.3%
- In-State Students
- 77.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
UC Davis sits in Davis, California, about 70 miles northeast of San Francisco and 15 miles west of Sacramento. The university dominates this classic college town of 68,000 residents, where students make up nearly half the population. Davis embodies Northern California's agricultural heritage with sprawling farmland, research fields, and the famous campus Arboretum stretching along Putah Creek. The flat terrain and bike-friendly infrastructure have earned Davis recognition as one of America's most bicycle-friendly cities. Students enjoy a true college town atmosphere where the university's 31,777 enrollment drives much of the local economy and culture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Davis with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Davis, California 95616-8678
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,838
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,091
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $138/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Davis?
UC Davis accepts 37.34% of applicants, making it moderately selective among UC schools. The university is particularly known for its world-well-known veterinary and agricultural programs, which attract competitive applicants from around the globe.
How much does University of California-Davis cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $15,288 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,594. Graduates typically leave with only $13,000 in debt, well below the national average for public universities.
What academic programs is University of California-Davis known for?
UC Davis operates 22 varsity sports teams and maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The university leads the nation in veterinary medicine and agricultural research, with particular strength in sustainable farming and wine-making studies.
What do graduates of University of California-Davis typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $80,838 ten years after graduation, with a strong 91.9% employment rate. The university's focus on agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine often leads to specialized, well-paying careers in these growing fields.
Where is University of California-Davis located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the small college town of Davis, California, housing 16,548 students in on-campus facilities. With 31,777 total students and a 93.37% retention rate, the Aggies create a tight-knit community despite being a large research university.
Does University of California-Davis have a diverse student body?
The student body is 31.34% Asian, 24.57% Hispanic, and 20.54% White, making it one of the most diverse UC campuses. Women comprise 59.19% of students, and 30.78% receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity as well.
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