UC Davis acceptance rate 2026
Quick Answer
UC Davis has an acceptance rate of approximately 41.8% for the 2026 admission cycle, making it a selective public university within the University of California system. In-state tuition is $16,774 annually, while out-of-state tuition reaches $50,974. Graduates earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes across UC Davis’s diverse academic programs.
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Learn More →Acceptance Snapshot
As of April 2026, UC Davis received a substantial applicant pool and admitted approximately 41.8% of applicants, positioning the university as a selective institution within California’s public higher education landscape. The university enrolls over 32,000 students across its Davis campus, making it one of the larger UC campuses by student population.
This acceptance rate reflects UC Davis’s reputation as a research-intensive institution with strong programs in engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and life sciences. The competitive admissions environment underscores the importance of strong academic credentials and well-crafted applications for prospective students.
SAT & ACT Scores
Unfortunately, specific SAT and ACT score ranges (25th–75th percentile) are not available in the current dataset. Prospective students should visit UC Davis’s official admissions website or contact the Office of Admissions directly for the most current standardized test score expectations for admitted students.
Tuition & Costs
UC Davis offers significantly different pricing structures for California residents and out-of-state students:
| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $16,774 | $50,974 |
| Average Net Price | $14,741 | $14,741 |
The average net price of $14,741 reflects the impact of financial aid and represents what students typically pay after grants and scholarships. This figure demonstrates that UC Davis remains relatively affordable for many students, particularly when accounting for institutional and federal aid.
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Learn More →Financial Aid Overview
UC Davis is committed to making education accessible through robust financial aid programs. The average net price of $14,741 indicates that most students benefit substantially from grants, scholarships, and other aid. This net price is considerably lower than the sticker tuition, particularly for out-of-state students, reflecting the university’s dedication to affordability.
Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application to maximize eligibility for grants and other aid programs. UC Davis also offers merit scholarships and institutional aid to support student success.
Graduation Rates
UC Davis demonstrates strong student success with an 85.38% completion rate. This metric reflects the university’s commitment to student support services, academic advising, and campus resources that facilitate timely degree completion. The completion rate exceeds many peer institutions and the national average for four-year public universities, indicating effective retention and graduation support systems.
Post-Graduation Earnings
UC Davis graduates earn a median of $80,838 ten years after initial enrollment, according to U.S. Department of Education data. This figure reflects the earning potential across UC Davis’s diverse graduate population and demonstrates the strong return on investment that a UC Davis degree provides. Earnings vary significantly by major and career field, with engineering, computer science, and veterinary medicine graduates typically earning above the median.
Popular Majors
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its colleges and schools. While specific enrollment data by major is not available in the current dataset, the university is nationally recognized for programs in:
- Agricultural sciences and natural resources
- Biological sciences and life sciences
- Engineering disciplines
- Veterinary medicine
- Environmental science and sustainability
- Computer science and mathematics
- Business and economics
Students interested in specific majors should review UC Davis’s academic program listings and departmental websites for detailed curriculum information and career outcomes.
Demographics
Detailed demographic breakdowns by race, ethnicity, and gender are not included in the current dataset. For comprehensive demographic information about UC Davis’s student body, prospective students should consult the university’s official institutional research and planning office or the Common Data Set published annually by UC Davis.
Related Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is UC Davis’s acceptance rate for 2026?
UC Davis has an acceptance rate of 41.8% for the 2026 admission cycle, according to data current as of April 2026. This makes UC Davis a selective public university, though less competitive than some peer UC campuses like Berkeley and Los Angeles.
How much does it cost to attend UC Davis?
In-state tuition is $16,774 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $50,974 annually. However, the average net price students actually pay is $14,741 after accounting for financial aid. Total cost of attendance includes room, board, and other expenses beyond tuition.
What is the graduation rate at UC Davis?
UC Davis has an 85.38% completion rate, indicating that the vast majority of students who enroll complete their degrees. This rate reflects strong academic support services and student success initiatives on campus.
How much do UC Davis graduates earn after college?
Median earnings for UC Davis graduates are $80,838 ten years after initial enrollment. Earnings vary significantly based on major, with engineering and computer science graduates typically earning above this median.
Is UC Davis affordable for out-of-state students?
While out-of-state tuition is $50,974 annually, the average net price of $14,741 suggests that financial aid significantly reduces the actual cost for many students. Out-of-state students should complete the FAFSA and investigate merit scholarship opportunities to maximize affordability.
What are UC Davis’s strongest academic programs?
UC Davis is particularly renowned for agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, biological sciences, and environmental studies. The university is classified as a research institution and maintains strong connections to California’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
How selective is UC Davis compared to other UC schools?
With a 41.8% acceptance rate, UC Davis is selective but generally more accessible than UC Berkeley (approximately 8-12% acceptance rate) or UCLA (approximately 8-10% acceptance rate). It remains more competitive than UC Riverside or UC Merced.
Data Sources
The statistics and figures in this article are sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard database, with data current as of April 2026. Prospective students should verify all current tuition rates, financial aid policies, and admission requirements directly with UC Davis’s Office of Admissions and the university’s official website, as institutional data changes annually.