UC Davis Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
UC Davis Acceptance Rate: Stats and Tips (2026)
The University of California, Davis, is a leading public research university located in the college town of Davis, approximately 15 miles west of Sacramento. With an acceptance rate of approximately 37%, UC Davis is one of the more accessible campuses in the UC system while maintaining exceptional programs in veterinary medicine (ranked number one nationally), agricultural sciences, biological sciences, and engineering. The campus spans more than 5,300 acres — the largest in the UC system — and offers a distinctive community atmosphere centered around sustainability, outdoor living, and bicycles.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~37% |
| Total Applicants | ~95,000 |
| Admitted Students | ~35,150 |
| Enrolled Class Size | ~9,200 |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1190–1420 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 25–32 |
| Average GPA | ~4.0 (UC weighted) / ~3.70 (unweighted) |
UC Davis receives an extraordinary volume of applications — approaching 95,000 in recent cycles — reflecting the overall demand for UC campuses. The yield rate (approximately 26%) is lower than some UC peers, as many admitted students also hold offers from UCLA, Berkeley, or UC San Diego.
What UC Davis Looks For
The UC Application
UC Davis evaluates applicants through the University of California application, which is shared across all nine undergraduate UC campuses. Students submit a single application and are reviewed independently by each campus they select. UC Davis uses 13 criteria in its comprehensive review, including GPA, rigor of curriculum, personal qualities, and the four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) that are central to UC admissions.
GPA and Course Rigor
The UC system calculates a weighted GPA that gives extra points for approved honors, AP, and IB courses taken in 10th and 11th grade. UC Davis expects applicants to complete the A-G subject requirements — the 15-course college-preparatory pattern required for UC eligibility. Strong performance in the most challenging courses available at your school is the foundation of a competitive application. The average unweighted GPA for admitted students is approximately 3.70, and the average UC-weighted GPA is approximately 4.0.
Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
The four PIQs are the essay component of the UC application. Each response is limited to 350 words, and applicants choose four from eight available prompts. Topics include leadership, creative problem-solving, significant challenges, and contributions to your community. UC Davis readers use PIQs to understand the person behind the numbers — applicants who share specific, personal stories with clear reflection tend to score higher than those who write in generalities.
Research and Hands-On Experience
UC Davis is a research powerhouse, and the university values applicants who show initiative in seeking hands-on learning experiences. High school research projects, lab internships, agricultural work, environmental fieldwork, and community-based science all demonstrate the kind of engaged learning that aligns with UC Davis’s culture. The university’s undergraduate research programs — including the Undergraduate Research Center — connect students with faculty mentors from their first year.
Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
UC Davis is home to the number-one-ranked veterinary school in the country and has the most comprehensive agricultural sciences program among UC campuses. Students interested in animal science, plant biology, food science, environmental science, or sustainable agriculture will find unmatched resources. Applicants with relevant experience — whether through 4-H, FFA, farm work, animal shelter volunteering, or environmental advocacy — can highlight these connections in their PIQs.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Type | Deadline | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UC Regular Decision | November 30 | ~37% |
The UC system operates on a single deadline: November 30 for the following fall. There is no Early Action or Early Decision at any UC campus. All applicants are evaluated in the same pool, and decisions are typically released in mid-March. The unified timeline simplifies the process but means there is no strategic advantage to submitting earlier within the filing window.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Financial Aid Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cost (In-State) | ~$38,000/year |
| Total Cost (Out-of-State) | ~$72,000/year |
| Students Receiving Aid | ~65% |
| Average Need-Based Grant | ~$22,000/year |
| Meets Full Need? | Partially (through Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan) |
| Average Debt at Graduation | ~$18,000 |
UC Davis participates in the UC system’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which covers tuition and fees for California students from families earning $80,000 or less annually. The Middle Class Scholarship, expanded in recent years, provides additional support for families earning up to $217,000. These programs make UC Davis remarkably affordable for California residents. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs, and while financial aid is available, the UC system is generally less generous with out-of-state need-based aid than some private alternatives. Average debt at graduation is relatively low at approximately $18,000, reflecting the strong aid available to California students.
Key Takeaways
- UC Davis’s approximately 37% acceptance rate makes it one of the more accessible UC campuses, but the sheer volume of applications (approximately 95,000) means competition is real.
- The UC application’s Personal Insight Questions are the primary way to differentiate yourself — invest significant time in crafting specific, reflective responses.
- UC Davis is number one nationally in veterinary medicine and a leader in agricultural and biological sciences — students in these fields will find unmatched resources.
- The single November 30 UC deadline means no early-round advantage; all applicants compete equally.
- Blue and Gold and the Middle Class Scholarship make UC Davis highly affordable for most California families, with average debt at graduation among the lowest of any top research university.
Next Steps
Prepare for your UC Davis application:
- How to Write a Standout College Essay — Master the UC Personal Insight Questions format.
- College Application Timeline — Plan around the November 30 UC deadline.
- Financial Aid Guide: Maximizing Your Award — Understand Blue and Gold, Cal Grants, and the Middle Class Scholarship.
- SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Is Right for You? — Prepare for standardized testing in the UC context.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.