Founded in 1908, University of California-Davis. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 29,379 full time undergraduate students, and 7,081 full time graduate students.
The University of California-Davis Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 20:1. There are 1587 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Davis include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
42%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
1050-1330
ACT Range
25-31
Admissions at UCD are considered More Selective, with ,162% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 8 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 100% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Davis.
370 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
322 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
414 Students rated campus food 3.8 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
423 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
423 Students rated class size 3.5 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
422 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
423 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
423 Students rated academics 4 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of California-Davis REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of California-Davis?
189 Students rated University of California-Davis
Kaylie
Prospective04/03/2025
The University of California, Davis has always been my dream school ever since I was in middle school. I wanted to attend UC Davis because their vet school is number 1 in the world and I want to pursue my doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. Now, as I am finishing up my first year as an undergraduate on campus, I have enjoyed every second of the beautiful campus, the kindness people, and the resources that the campus has to offer.
Samina
Prospective04/03/2025
I’m interested in attending the University of California, Davis because of its strong science programs and supportive community. UC Davis is known for its excellent biology and health-related majors, which is perfect for my goal of becoming a general dentist. I like that they offer research opportunities and hands-on learning, which can help me get experience before dental school.
The campus also feels welcoming and diverse. I’ve heard from students that it’s a peaceful place to study, with friendly people and good support for first-generation and immigrant students. That really matters to me, especially after the challenges I’ve faced in my education journey.
Julissa
Prospective04/02/2025
Attending UC Davis is a dream come true for me because it’s a diverse and welcoming campus where I truly feel at home. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds inspires me and gives me a sense of belonging. I’m passionate about pursuing a career in law, and UC Davis offers incredible opportunities through its pre-law programs, networking events, and connections to internships. I know that being part of this supportive community will help me grow academically and personally while preparing me for a successful future. This scholarship would make it possible for me to fully embrace these opportunities.
Asia
12/23/2024
UC Davis fosters an incredibly inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for students from all walks of life. Students from diverse backgrounds make up a majority of the school’s demographics, and there are plenty of programs and clubs directed towards individuals from underrepresented communities. This university is renowned for its extensive research opportunities, with over 50% of its undergraduate students currently conducting research projects outside of the classroom. These opportunities allow students to express their ideas, build their critical thinking, writing, data analysis, and communication skills, and prepare for further research in post-graduate studies and beyond. The professors, tutors, and teaching assistants on campus are phenomenal and demonstrate in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm in their respective disciplines. UC Davis faculty work diligently and quickly, ensuring that each students’ needs and concerns are met in a timely manner. There are a variety of workshops and programs designed to help students study, apply for jobs, and explore their career interests. The students and faculty are friendly and polite, making it easy to form friendships and network with those who have similar interests. Not to mention, there are plenty of animals across campus like horses, cats, cows, squirrels, and birds that provide mental comfort for students during stressful times. The university is located in a small, vibrant town with low crime rates and accessible transportation, businesses, health clinics, and other essential services. It is relatively easy to navigate through the campus, and many students resort to using sustainable methods of transportation like bikes and electric scooters. With a beautiful and safe campus that stretches for acres and state-of-the-art facilities, UC Davis provides a comfortable, uplifting environment where students can thrive in their academic ventures. Overall, this university has a variety of programs and resources to equip its students with the experience and knowledge necessary for success in their respective fields.
Natalie
10/26/2024
Personally I really love the campus. I think it is a very safe campus as well as a pretty campus. The classes usually have maybe 20 people which I think is a good ratio. Meyer Hall where the animal science major is really a great space for lectures and studying, and I think the hands on side of it is really a great opportunity.
Connor
10/17/2024
I think that UC Davis is a college that has made a name for itself not just by the students words but by the whole states views. UC Davis is a school that everyone wants to get into because it is so known for being a top notch school and the best around for California. The school is an amazing place to be at and has a very friendly campus to be around, this college is definitely the one to strive to go to.
Vincent
10/07/2024
The University of California-Davis is a place I deeply admire for its blend of academic rigor and connection to real-world impact. As someone from Livermore, with a passion for both climate action and healthcare, I see UC Davis as an ideal institution that alignwith my interests. Their commitment to sustainability and agricultural research is similar to my involvement with climate initiatives, like the Tri-Valley Youth Climate Action Team and the carbon garden project I led. I appreciate how UC Davis focuses on addressing critical issues like climate change and food security, which resonate with my desire to advocate for vulnerable communities.
Beyond that, UC Davis' emphasis on health sciences aligns perfectly with my aspirations in medicine. Shadowing physicians and dentists has driven me toward patient advocacy, and I see UC Davis as a place where I could further that passion. The university’s strong connections to public health and medical research would allow me to gain the hands-on experience I’ve been working toward, ultimately preparing me to make a larger impact in the healthcare field.
In short, UC Davis’ values and programs fit right into my broader goals of using both medicine and environmental stewardship to create tangible change. I see it as a place where I could thrive academically and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Colin
07/26/2024
I did a double major at Davis with a degree in Biology and geology and it was one of the best experiences of my life. While it was difficult much of the time, I left knowing I had professors there who wanted to see me succeed and would help me in whatever way they could. The curriculum was good and the quality of education was great!
Jake
07/03/2024
UC Davis was an amazing school that has so many great memories behind it. The school has prepared me for the hardships of life and helped me to realize what it is I am truly interested in. Davis is full of events and friendly people that are worth creating lasting connections with.
Cassandra
04/30/2024
Harper
04/22/2024
I am so excited to attend this school in the fall. I've seen it multiple times and talked to multiple people, and everything I've seen and heard sounds perfect to me. I genuinely believe this school is the best option for me, from its academics to its student life. It's the perfect balance between the two.
Danielle
04/01/2024
At first I wasn't the biggest fan of UC Davis because of the college being located in a small suburban town, but I grew to love and appreciate what the city of Davis has to offer. With its ranging groups of various clubs and communities, there is always someone to talk to and befriend! Most students at UCD are extremely friendly and there's always some event to be a part of.
Sangini
12/30/2023
As a current freshman at UC Davis, I grew to love everything about the school so much more than I ever anticipated. In the very beginning while applying to this school, it was hard to overlook just how many majors options were available for students. Every new friend I have made has refreshingly unique ambitions and interests, all of which are supported by the vast collection of opportunities presented through clubs, professors, and local internships.
Now onto the real juicy matter, the dining hall food is amazing, the food trucks are delicious, and the Peet's coffee's scattered around campus fuel my true academic. The campus is beautifully green and the gym is larger than I have ever seen before (although I do come from a small town).
My professors have never turned down a call for help, and there are many free websites and tutors available to help with those challenging classes. I truly feel supported in every way possible as a student here.
angel
08/20/2023
Campus is big yet easy to navigate. With its dedicated bike trails and paths and its flat terrain, it is bike and pedestrian friendly. If you like the sound of racing your friends to class on bikes, nice California weather, a welcoming college town, great school culture, and excellent academics, UC Davis might be the right fit for you.
Alfredo
01/02/2023
So far the University of California-Davis has proven to be an enjoyable and valuable school. It has a big campus with facilities available for numerous activities, from studying to physical activities, socializing, and eating. Located near downtown gives students plenty of things to do. The academics and staff are great and valuable to students. It has a great atmosphere overall, from an enjoyable campus, friendly peers, and helpful staff and faculty.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Davis is 42%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
As you transition from a high school senior to a college novice, EMBRACE THE CHANGES; this is your chance to discover who you are as an individual, your chance to determine what impact YOU want to make on society. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from exploring. In college, there no mistakes made, just lessons learned. Try everything and anything you could potentially like because this is the one time you have the freedom to do so. Never miss an opportunity to join an intramural inner-tube water polo team or take that photography class you’ve always wanted to take. Challenge your dorm mates to an all-you-can-eat contest in the dining commons. Get to know your professors and fellow classmates, you’ll learn just as much outside of class as you will during lecture. Lastly, live in the moment because these are the moments where you’ll find your passion for life.
When I brag about UC Davis, I talk about how rural the town and the campus are. Both are so small that I can bike from one side of campus to the other side of town in ten minuets. Plus, all of Davis is flat and very bike friendly, with bike trails everywhere. As for education, it's engineering and veterinarian programs are some of the top in the state. All in all, a great campus.
Davis is a great community. There is ample opportunity to get involved and explore your interests. There should be more opportunity for specialization though.
There's a good relationship available if you seek it with professors. The expectations don't seem to get increasingly harder as years go by, and it's not too hard to figure out how to succeed in college.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I enjoy to brag about all the extra curicular activites that are available for students to participate in at UC Davis. There are plenty of clubs, intramural sports, research opportunities and ways to get involved on campus from basically every avenue.
My school is best known for it's academic programs and it's percentage of students who enroll in a major in Biological Sciences, typically entering Veterinary or Medical school.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
This is the area that I am still struggling with, but it's getting better. I just need to open up more and branch out to different things on campus. I know that alot of people are in fraternities and or sororities, but I wasn't interested in joining into that scene. Although alot of my friends are in sororities and it's an excellent way to make friends for life and really get immersed into the school activities and raise money through fund raisers and communitiy service events, joinging a sorority just isn't something that I really wanted to join.
Well I was sick last weekend, but this Saturday is Picnic Day and 5 friends are coming in from all over CA to spend the weekend with me and participate in this annual event at Davis. I entered my puppy in the Doxie Derby and after that I will walk around campus and enjoy all the events and bands playing.
What can you do on a Saturday night that doesn't invovle drinking? Well you can go to the movies downtown, go out to dinner down town, go to the ARC and get a great workout, or rent a movie and watch it with a bunch of friends.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
When people think of UC Davis, they usually think we are all anti-social, stuck up people who only care about farming and cows and plants. This couldn't be farther from the truth.
There is one word that I can use to describe UC Davis: eclectic. UC Davis, the 3rd largest of the UC's in term of enrollment and 1st in terms of physical size, has a huge range of groups that make up our student population. Just by strolling through the Coho (Coffee House) you can see Aggie band members, fraternity and sorority members, people with their heads deep in books, hippies, skaters, and almost any other group sitting down at tables right next to each other. If there is a group you are looking for because it is one you already belong to, or a new group you are trying to join you will be able to find them at Davis!
It really depends on the class. Some classes, I can get by cramming just the night before and easily ace the exam. But others... I would study all week and still barely pass. Who you get as your professor is also crucial. I would advise asking upperclassmen for advice when you pick classes, as some websites with ratings of professors/classes may not always end up being reliable...
UC Davis was not my first choice. i'm going to be honest. after not getting in to Cal (where pretty much all of my family has gone) my top 3 colleges were davis, uc santa barbara, and new york university. at first this was a really difficult decision because i was choosing between "country" (cows), beach, and city, all completely different environments. when i visited ucsb in the fall, i fell in love, and in the back of my mind i thought that sb would be the school for me. but then i visited in the spring during their open house. i made a complete 180 and discovered that this was definitely NOT the kind of school i wanted because of various reasons. then i visited nyu. i must say that this time, i truly fell in love. i was so happy; i had found my dream school. but then the issue of money and cost of tuition came into play. without getting into much personal detail, i had to let nyu go.
so i'm sure it sounds like i just settled on uc davis, and while some aspects of that might be true, with a full quarter under my belt i can honestly say choosing uc davis was a very very good decision.
with nyu crowding my mind, i pushed aside all of the wonderful qualities of uc davis. first of all, while there is pressure to do well at davis, it is not a cutthroat kind of pressure that will bring you to tears every time you are told you are wrong in a small discussion. the students and TAs, while letting you know that your answer wasn't exactly what they were looking for, work with you to find the correct answer, to see the possibility of other perspectives and answers. because, sometimes, people brush uc davis off as a friendly school that isn't as intellectual as another uc such as berkeley or los angeles, there is a sense of unity among the students to prove others wrong, to show them that we are just as smart, outgoing, and driven as any other school.
this is not to say that every single person at uc davis is uber friendly, however the majority and main feel of the school and campus is such. this is why i like and chose uc davis. while there is diversity here, there is also a common happy vibe that exists. the town is small, but certainly friendly to college students. you can feel the closeness of the families who live around the campus and feel safe in this warm environment. i love how active the students are, participating in either team sports or working out at the gym, which is very nice.
i also chose uc davis because it was far enough from home where i could feel like i am actually living on my own, but it is also close enough so that i can come home for the weekend if i need a break or want to see my dog and cat (and parents, of course).
uc davis focuses on not only helping a student grow academically, but also personally. while grades and gaining knowledge are very important here at uc davis, extracurriculars, internships, community service, sports, and social growth are just as important. uc davis encourages being well-rounded.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
70% of students attending University of California-Davis receive some sort of financial aid.
34% were awarded federal grants.38%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
