University of California, Davis logo

University of California, Davis

Davis, CA, USA · Ranking #39

University of California, Davis is a top public research university and part of the prestigious University of California system. Founded in 1905, it is globally recognized for excellence in agriculture, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, biological sciences and engineering. The university emphasizes sustainability, innovation and interdisciplinary research, supported by cutting-edge facilities and strong industry collaborations. UC Davis is known for its student-centered approach, research opportunities and contributions to global challenges such as food security, climate change and public health. Its welcoming campus and strong academic reputation attract students from around the world.

University of California, Davis logo

University of California, Davis

About the university

University of California, Davis is a top public research university and part of the prestigious University of California system. Founded in 1905, it is globally recognized for excellence in agriculture, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, biological sciences and engineering. The university emphasizes sustainability, innovation and interdisciplinary research, supported by cutting-edge facilities and strong industry collaborations. UC Davis is known for its student-centered approach, research opportunities and contributions to global challenges such as food security, climate change and public health. Its welcoming campus and strong academic reputation attract students from around the world.

Key information

  • Location: Davis, CA, USA
  • Ranking #39
  • QS #102
  • THE #59
  • US News #33
  • National ranking #10
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Biological Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Data Science

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 40,000
  • Undergraduate: 32,000
  • Graduate: 8,000
  • International students: 11%

Campus life

UC Davis's 5,300-acre campus is one of the largest in the UC system, known for its bicycle-friendly culture with 34,000 daily bike riders. Home to one of the top veterinary and agricultural programs in the world, the campus features the UC Davis Arboretum along Putah Creek. With 800+ student organizations and the charming college town of Davis, it offers a unique small-town UC experience.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $900 - $1,800 / per month

Housing options

  • Undergraduate residence halls (Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto)
  • The Green at West Village
  • University apartments
  • Off-campus in Davis
  • Graduate housing (Solano Park)

Student clubs and organizations

  • The California Aggie
  • UC Davis Cycling
  • AggieHacks
  • Student Farm
  • Pre-Vet Club
  • Aggie Entrepreneurs
  • Experimental College

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Softball
  • Water Polo

Career & internships

Employment rate: 80%

Partner companies

  • Intel
  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Genentech
  • Deloitte
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Apple

Internships: UC Davis integrates internships and research into many programs, especially in agriculture, engineering and life sciences. The Internship and Career Center provides job fairs, employer connections and career coaching. Students often secure internships in biotech, environmental organizations, agribusiness and tech companies across California.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • SAT
  • ACT
  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • GRE

Required documents

  • High School Diploma
  • Transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS
  • Personal Insight Questions
  • Letters of Recommendation (optional)

Minimum GPA: 4.2

Tuition costs

  • $32,000 - $48,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 46.00%
  • Scholarships available: UC Davis offers merit-based scholarships and limited need-based aid for international students. Programs include Regents Scholarships and departmental awards. Graduate students can access fellowships, teaching assistantships and research funding, especially in STEM and life sciences. External funding opportunities are also widely available.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1905
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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