California is home to approximately 400 private and public universities, among which is the University of California-Davis. UC Davis is among the top 10 most prestigious universities in the state and has been highly regarded since its founding in 1908. However, applicants and incoming students still wonder, is UC Davis a good school?
Generally, UC Davis is a high-caliber university, enrolling thousands of local and international students. Nonetheless, it takes more than the student population for a school to qualify as a good school. This article delves into UC Davis reviews, rankings, and academic programs. You will also learn what UC Davis is known for and why it’s a good school in general.
UC Davis Profile
- Campus Locations: Davis, Sacramento, Nevada, Bodega Bay, San Diego, San Francisco
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $13,104 (in-state), $44,130 (out-of-state)
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $11,700 (in-state), $26,802 (out-of-state)
The information above is available on the official school website and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). UC Davis is a four-year public institution, with a student population of approximately 39,074 students.
This prestigious institution offers an array of certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Some popular majors at this public college include agricultural science, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering, geology, international relations, and statistics. UC Davis is a tier-one research university, making it perfect for graduate studies.
Where Is UC Davis?
UC Davis’ main campus is located in Davis, California, and UC Davis Health is located in Sacramento. The suburban atmosphere makes it a great place for students who want the amenities of city life and the constant hustle and bustle of a more urban school. Moreover, there are additional campuses where research centers, labs, and training programs are situated.
What Is UC Davis Known For?
UC Davis is known for its quality of education and academic environment. It has four academic colleges offering over 100 programs across all levels. Some of the most popular majors at the University of California-Davis are psychology, economics, and animal science. These interdisciplinary programs encourage students to be versatile and well-rounded professionals.
Is UC Davis Ivy League?
UC Davis is not an Ivy League school. There are only eight Ivy League schools and they are Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Brown University. However, UC Davis is a high-caliber university in its own right, ranking high in popular lists like Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
How Big Is UC Davis?
The University of California-Davis is a big school. According to its Fall 2021 report, there are 41,158 students across all programs, with 31,657 of them pursuing undergraduate studies. The College of Letters and Science received the highest number of undergraduate enrollment at 42 percent, followed by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at 23 percent.
Is a Degree From UC Davis Good?
Yes, a degree from the University of California-Davis is good considering the school is a prestigious institution. Many reputable ranking publications have given UC Davis high scores after taking into consideration its quality of education, curriculum, instructors, diversity of current students and staff, and overall university experience.
The latest Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education’s US College Rankings data, for example, ranked UC Davis as the fifth best public university in the US. The University of California-Davis also excels at subject-specific rankings, particularly in fields like biological sciences, engineering, and computer science.
How Much Does UC Davis Cost?
UC Davis costs $13,104 for in-state students and $44,130 for out-of-state students on the undergraduate level. Meanwhile, the tuition for graduate studies is $11,700 for Californians and $26,802 for out-of-state and international students. Note that there may be additional costs depending on your background and program of interest.
UC Davis Financial Aid
The University of California-Davis offers a wide variety of financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the cost of attendance and reduce student debt. Students can determine their eligibility for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). It also offers tuition assistance programs for eligible students.
UC Davis Scholarships
- Undergraduate Scholarships. This is a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate education with $4 million in annual funding. Some factors taken into account include participation in extracurricular activities, area of interest, and practical experience. Recipients are entitled to any amount between $100 to $14,000 per academic year.
- 10,000 Degrees General Scholarship. This scholarship aims at helping students obtain their first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or professional training certificate. To be eligible, applicants must show proof of financial need and proof of university enrollment. The application opens every year on October 15.
- Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Scholarships. If you are interested in pursuing game development, this scholarship is for you. It is open to undergraduate students aged 21 and above. You must also enroll in a full-time program and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
- Alexander Graham Bell Scholarships. This scholarship is dedicated to students with bilateral hearing loss diagnosed before the age of four. Applicants must also primarily communicate using listening and spoken language to be eligible. The scholarship can be used to cover undergraduate or graduate studies.
- University Medal. This is the most prestigious award that UC Davis students can receive. The university awards the University Medal to a top graduating student with stellar academic and extracurricular achievements. Recipients receive a plaque with an inlaid medal and a $2,000 honorarium.
UC Davis Rankings
The University of California-Davis offers interdisciplinary programs of high quality across all tertiary levels. Since its inception in 1908, UC Davis strives to offer a positive university experience that goes beyond academic excellence. This section will discuss UC Davis’ ranking in various categories.
UC Davis US News & World Report Ranking
US News & World Report ranks UC Davis #38 in National Universities. Additionally, UC Davis scores high in the undergraduate subject-specific rankings for fields like engineering and computer science, coming in at the #27 and #12 spots respectively. It is also listed at one of the Top 10 Public Schools in the US News & World Report ranking.
UC Davis Times Higher Education Ranking
UC Davis ranks #67 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. It receives an average score of 67.9 after factoring in criteria like teaching, research, citation, industry outcome, class sizes, and international outlook. It also holds the #40 spot in the US College Rankings 2022.
UC Davis Center for World University Rankings
Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) ranks UC Davis #54 in the international ranking and #31 in the national ranking for the years 2020-2021. The university also received a total score of 84.3 out of 100.
UC Davis QS World University Rankings
UC Davis sits on the #108 spot in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The University of California-Davis particularly excels in two areas which are the international research network and international faculty ratio. Its academic reputation receives a score of 64.8 out of 100, illustrating its dedication to stellar academic performance.
UC Davis Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
The University of California-Davis ranks #100 on the Academic Ranking of World Universities list. Its top five high-ranking subjects, according to the ranking body, are environmental science and engineering, agricultural sciences, ecology, veterinary sciences, and water resources.
Top Programs at UC Davis
US Davis offers a wide selection of world-class undergraduate and graduate programs. Popular programs include psychology, engineering, economics, and biological sciences. The curriculum is designed to accommodate every student including transfer students and exchange students. Below are the top bachelor’s and master’s programs at the University of California-Davis.
Bachelor’s Degrees at UC Davis
A bachelor’s degree is vital for most careers. You learn important professional fundamentals and gain hands-on skills to help you land a lucrative job. You can work in various industries that utilize research, analysis, and statistics namely government, finance, business, and technology. Here are the top five bachelor’s programs at UC Davis.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
This undergraduate degree program teaches effective communication in business, quantitative decision-making tools, legal obligations in business, and essential skills to promote a business. You need at least 120 credits to graduate.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
The degree is one of the best early childhood education (ECE) online programs, covering health and family, child development, creative movement in ECE, and introduction to ECE. Students will also be exposed to topics like cognitive development.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
You will tackle the mental, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral aspects of a human being under the guidance of qualified psychology professionals. The courses include research methods in psychology, social psychology, and organizational psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio
This degree exposes students to art history, art development, and various artistic styles via media such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. As you progress, you will be allowed to pick a specialization to focus on which include ceramics, photography, video production, and electronic arts. You will also learn more about art theory and criticism.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The degree is offered through the University of California-Davis’ College of Letters and Science. It is accredited by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. There’s an additional concentration in cyber security to better prepare students for the future of work.
Master’s Degrees at UC Davis
The graduate studies at the University of California-Davis combine basic, advanced, and practical knowledge to prepare you for mid-level and senior roles in various industries. The degree includes more research and several thesis and non-thesis programs to expand your expertise. Here are the top five UC Davis master’s degrees.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Studies
The 30-credit MS in Criminal Justice Studies program takes grad students approximately 12 months to complete. You will tackle the mental, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral aspects of a human being under the guidance of qualified psychology professionals. The courses include research methods in psychology, social psychology, and organizational psychology.
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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
The curriculum focuses on student-centered and multicultural training for clinical mental health counseling. The degree offers a concentration in media and technology and is perfect for students pursuing careers in the entertainment industry or media.
Master of Education
The degree prepares students for advanced teaching roles throughout the Pacific Rim. In addition, the curriculum aligns with all Teacher Leader Model Standards. The curriculum prepares you for leadership roles in education and licensure for elementary, high school, and special education.
Master of Arts in Health Administration
Each course takes eight weeks, which is flexible for an online master’s degree. You will also become an expert in advanced healthcare administration. The curriculum combines business, IT, and liberal arts to prepare you for entrepreneurship in IT and relevant industries.
Master of Science in Nursing
The nursing curriculum covers natural sciences, basic liberal arts, behavioral science, and technology application. Graduate students will learn all the modern applications in nursing and medicine. This degree accommodates registered nurses with an associate degree from campuses under the University of California System.
Other Top Programs at UC Davis
Aside from the programs listed above, the University of California-Davis also offers a slew of other top professional programs via other schools and colleges. Here are some of the best programs you can take at UC Davis.
Doctor of Medicine
This is a graduate program offered through the UC Davis School of Medicine. The curriculum is designed around three pillars: life-changing discoveries, a passion for clinical research and care, and a commitment to assisting underserved groups.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
This graduate program is offered through the UC Davis School Of Veterinary Medicine. The program pushes students to become veterinary professionals who are also human-centric. It trains students to provide high-quality, compassionate, and ethical service when addressing the health of all animals, including those used in scientific research.
Master of Professional Accountancy
UC Davis’ Master of Professional Accountancy program is suitable for students looking to explore an accounting profession. Its curriculum is designed to expose students to high-level standards used in national and international accounting, preparing them with the skills needed to obtain a CPA.
How to Apply to UC Davis
- Create an account and fill out a form. The first step is to create an account on the University of California-Davis website and start your online application.
- Go through the checklist and prepare accordingly. The school recommends having your high school transcript, test scores, proof of income, social security number, proof of citizenship, and California statewide student ID number ready before applying. Having the correct documentation and abiding by deadlines can play a major role in your chances of admission.
- Pay the application fee. Local students are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $70 to process the application. Meanwhile, international students and out-of-state students would have to pay $70. Fee waivers are available for select applicants.
- Fulfill supplemental review requests, if any. The University of California-Davis may require some students to submit letters of recommendation as a part of the supplemental review process. Note that this is not a requirement for a normal application.
How Much Do UC Davis Graduates Earn?
According to PayScale, alumni of the University of California-Davis earn an average base pay of $84,000 per year. Some of their common job titles include software engineers, veterinarians, data analysts, research scientists, and project managers. The job site reveals that UC Davis graduates holding these positions make between $65,303 to $109,748 per year.
Is UC Davis a Good College?
Yes, UC Davis is a good college for people looking for high-quality education in a collaborative environment. It is a reputable college with high rankings across national and international lists. The University of California-Davis is an amazing school that offers a wide variety of programs, suitable for diverse learners interested in pursuing a career in engineering, law, medicine, veterinary science, and finance.
Is UC Davis a Good School FAQs
No, UC Davis does not require letters of recommendation. For a normal application, applicants are only asked to submit their high school transcript, test scores, proof of income, social security number, proof of citizenship, and California statewide student ID number. However, the university may ask for letters of recommendation from applicants who have to go through supplemental reviews.
Yes, UC Davis is considerably hard to get into. It has an acceptance rate of 46 percent, which means more than half of applicants are unsuccessful in their enrollment. However, prospective students should not be discouraged from applying. Some of the things you can do to improve your chances include maintaining a high GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and giving back to your community. These can help you come across as a well-rounded candidate.
UC Davis offers 100-plus academic majors, including information technology, political science, computer engineering, ocean engineering, and operations research. The school is also known for its agriculture programs. Most of the courses are tech-based due to the nature of the job upon graduation. You can also explore other courses in communication, leadership, and character development.
Yes, you can attend UC Davis if you’re not a US citizen. The university has a diverse student body and it welcomes students of all backgrounds including US citizens, permanent residents, and international students. However, you must submit proof that shows you’re eligible to study in the United States. Note that the admissions team may require other documents for verification.
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