UC Davis Acceptance Rate 2026: Your Real Chances by GPA
University of California-Davis · Davis, CA · Public · Official Website ↗
Data updated: 2026-04-28
41.6% acceptance · 42,046 students
UC Davis at a Glance
UC Davis Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #28 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #130 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #92 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #38 | #44 | #46 | #38 | #39 | #39 | #38 | #38 | #28 | #28 |
US News National Universities: #38 (2016) → #28 (2025) ↑ 10 spots
About UC Davis
University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA with 42,046 students. At 41.6% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Psychology.
| Full Name | University of California-Davis |
| Location | Davis, CA 95616-8678 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucdavis.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 42,046 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 33,442 |
| Female Students | 59.4% |
Is UC Davis a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 41.6% acceptance rate, UC Davis is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
| Your Profile | UC Davis Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Meet academic requirements | Safety | Strong odds — apply with confidence |
| Slightly below average | Match | Apply — still realistic |
UC Davis True Cost by Family Income
31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UC Davis enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $5,600 | $22,400 | -88% |
| $30-48k | $6,800 | $27,200 | -86% |
| $48-75k | $10,400 | $41,600 | -78% |
| $75-110k | $15,200 | $60,800 | -68% |
| $110k+ | $28,800 | $115,200 | -39% |
UC Davis Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UC Davis Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $86,250 | $75,000 | +15% |
| Engineering | — | $82,800 | $72,000 | +15% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $71,300 | $62,000 | +15% |
| Business | — | $63,249 | $55,000 | +15% |
| Health Professions | — | $59,799 | $52,000 | +15% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $55,199 | $48,000 | +15% |
| Social Sciences | — | $51,749 | $45,000 | +15% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $48,299 | $42,000 | +15% |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources | — | $48,299 | $42,000 | +15% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $48,299 | $42,000 | +15% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $46,000 | $40,000 | +15% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $46,000 | $40,000 | +15% |
| History | — | $46,000 | $40,000 | +15% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $43,700 | $38,000 | +15% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $43,700 | $38,000 | +15% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $43,700 | $38,000 | +15% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $43,700 | $38,000 | +15% |
| Education | — | $43,700 | $38,000 | +15% |
| Psychology | — | $41,400 | $36,000 | +15% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $41,400 | $36,000 | +15% |
| Family & Consumer Sciences | — | $40,250 | $35,000 | +15% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $39,100 | $34,000 | +15% |
Popular Majors at UC Davis
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
What UC Davis Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Class Rank | ★★★ Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | ★★★ Considered |
| Application Essay | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Recommendation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Talent Ability | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| First Generation | ★★★★ Important |
| Alumni Relation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Interview | ★★ Not Considered |
| Work Experience | ★★★★ Important |
| Volunteer Work | ★★★★ Important |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Davis
More About UC Davis
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Davis is not affiliated with DeepColleges.