At $15,288/yr net price, University of California-Davis graduates earn $80,838/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $46,838/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,288 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,152 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $80,838/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$46,838/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,594/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,472/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,304/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,988/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,258/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $135,393 | $147,104 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $125,015 | $50,303 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $116,258 | $93,512 |
| 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 | $12,703 |
| Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences. | Doctoral | $81,886 | $135,517 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,609 | $14,000 |
The Risk Factor
85.1% of students at University of California-Davis graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UC Davis delivers strong financial returns with graduates earning a median of $80,838 ten years after graduation while carrying just $13,000 in debt. The combination of reasonable in-state costs and solid earning potential creates favorable ROI for most students.
Health professions programs generate the highest returns, with specialized health fields reaching $135,393 annually, though this comes with substantial debt of $147,104. Nursing offers a better balance at $125,015 with more manageable debt of $50,303. Business administration graduates earn $116,258 but face higher debt loads of $93,512. Physics majors command $104,749 with minimal borrowing.
The school's location in Northern California provides access to diverse job markets from Sacramento government positions to Bay Area tech roles, supporting strong post-graduation employment. Agriculture and veterinary programs benefit from Davis's research reputation and industry connections.
Your biggest financial risk lies in choosing programs without clear career paths or in oversaturated fields. Liberal arts majors may struggle to justify costs despite the school's overall strength. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs that may not align with earning potential.
UC Davis works best financially if you're a California resident targeting health sciences, business, or STEM fields. The 85% graduation rate and 93% retention suggest most students complete their programs, avoiding the financial waste of incomplete degrees.
Merit aid opportunities are limited at UC Davis, with only 31% of students receiving financial aid. Focus on need-based aid and consider community college transfer to reduce total costs. The relatively low debt levels indicate most students can afford attendance without excessive borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC Davis worth the cost compared to other UCs?
UC Davis offers solid value with a net price of $15,288 and median earnings of $80,838 after 10 years. The low median debt of $13,000 and 85% graduation rate make it a safer investment than many schools, though earnings lag behind UC Berkeley and UCLA.
What majors at UC Davis have the best return on investment?
Health professions lead with median earnings of $135,393, followed by nursing at $125,015 and business at $116,258. Liberal arts and agricultural programs typically see lower returns, so choose carefully based on career goals.
How much debt do UC Davis graduates typically have?
UC Davis graduates have a median debt of just $13,000, well below the national average. The combination of strong financial aid and reasonable in-state tuition keeps most students from taking on crushing debt loads.
Does UC Davis provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Yes, UC Davis financial aid brings the average net price down to $15,288 per year for most students. California residents especially benefit from generous state and university aid programs that can cover most tuition costs.