
University of California-Davis
California's College Town
Acceptance rate
41.8%
Avg net price
$14,741
after aid
Testing
Not considered
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the University of California-Davis admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
University of California-Davis admitted 41.8% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what University of California-Davis actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
From Labs to Lives
Federal research funding turns lab work into real help. More funding means faster treatments, cleaner air and water, safer families and stronger businesses.
- Agriculture and ForestryRanked 1st in the nation
- Veterinary MedicineRanked 1st in the nation
- Brewing Scienceentry level class, Master’s in Brewing Science
Verified from ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu and ucdavis.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Up to 350 words
Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
Up to 350 words
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Up to 350 words
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Up to 350 words
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Up to 350 words
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
Up to 350 words
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Up to 350 words
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
Up to 350 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from ucdavis.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $41,238. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $14,741.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides support to eligible graduate, professional and undergraduate students, with UC Davis committed to using no less than 50 percent of these funds for Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $80,838.
Verified from ucdavis.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Research and Experimental Psychology11% of degrees
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods6% of degrees
- Biology, General5% of degrees
- Economics5% of degrees
- Computer Science5% of degrees
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences4% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Bike from campus to a coffee shop, then head to the MU to pet adorable fluffy friends during finals week, a Tuesday here.”
With roughly 55 miles of bike and pedestrian paths, Davis is easy to get around, where college students fill up tables at nearby restaurants and coffee shops.
Quick answers
What do people ask about University of California-Davis?
- Is University of California-Davis test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at University of California-Davis is not considered.
- How hard is it to get into University of California-Davis?
- Very hard. University of California-Davis admits 41.8% of applicants. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does University of California-Davis cost?
- The list price is about $41,238. After aid, families pay $14,741 on average.
- Is University of California-Davis worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $80,838 ten years after enrolling. 85% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about University of California-Davis.
Spike answers from University of California-Davis’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.