UC Davis: Ultimate Guide to the University of California, Davis (2026)

UC Davis, officially the University of California, Davis, stands as one of the top public research universities in the United States. Founded in 1905 as the University Farm, it has grown into a world-class institution renowned for its strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, and sustainability. Located in the friendly college town of Davis, California, UC Davis combines rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant, bike-friendly campus lifestyle.

In 2026 rankings, UC Davis continues to shine:

  • #9 among public universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)

  • #10 public university in the nation (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026)

  • #32 overall in National Universities

  • #1 in the nation for Agriculture and Forestry and Veterinary Medicine

  • #1 for campus sustainability and diversity/internationalization

With a sprawling 5,300-acre campus, over 32,000 undergraduates, and nearly 41,000 total students, UC Davis offers a perfect blend of big-school resources and a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere.

Why Choose UC Davis?

UC Davis earns its reputation as a “Public Ivy” through exceptional academics and real-world impact. The university leads in research activity (R1 classification) and delivers strong outcomes for graduates, ranking #2 among public universities for graduate financial success.

Popular Majors at UC Davis include:

  • Psychology

  • Biological Sciences

  • Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior

  • Managerial Economics

  • Computer Science

  • Animal Science

  • Economics

  • Political Science

The university excels particularly in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biological Sciences, and College of Engineering. It also features highly regarded programs in medicine, law, and business.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Davis is frequently called California’s ultimate college town — green, laid-back, and extremely bike-friendly (bicycling is the #1 mode of transportation on campus). Students enjoy:

  • The stunning UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (100 acres along Putah Creek)

  • Iconic Egghead sculptures scattered across campus

  • The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art and Gorman Museum of Native American Art

  • Vibrant Davis Farmers Market (Saturdays and Wednesdays)

  • Aggies athletic events at Aggie Stadium

  • The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

The campus buzzes with over 800 student organizations, research opportunities, and easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Napa Valley.

Admissions and Cost (2026)

  • Acceptance rate: Approximately 42%

  • In-state undergraduate tuition and fees: ~$15,588–$16,474

  • Out-of-state: ~$50,324 (plus living expenses)

UC Davis remains highly competitive, especially for STEM, agriculture, and pre-health tracks. Strong emphasis is placed on academic achievement, extracurriculars, and personal insight questions in the UC application.

Location Advantages

Situated in Yolo County just 15 miles west of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from San Francisco, UC Davis offers the best of both worlds: a safe, small-town feel with quick access to major cities, internships, and tech/biotech hubs. The region’s farm-to-fork reputation aligns perfectly with UC Davis’s agricultural roots.

Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, researcher, or visitor, UC Davis delivers top-tier education, groundbreaking research, and an unforgettable college experience in one of California’s most livable college towns.