University of California (UC) Davis Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of California Davis has several noteworthy programs, including veterinary medicine and agriculture. In 2023-24, UC Davis tuition and fees was $15,247 for in-state students and $46,024 for out-of-state students. The national averages for public four-year schools are $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

At UC Davis, 58% of students use financial aid to help with UC Davis tuition. They may take out student loans or apply for grants and scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

When it comes to student loans, 22% of students at UC Davis take out federal loans, while 9% take out private loans. The average private student loan is $5,153.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

To attend UC Davis for four years, students from California will pay $164,220, while students from other states will pay $287,328. The average cost for four years at a public university in the U.S. is $115,360 for in-state students, and $186,920 for out-of-state.

Here’s some California Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

UC Davis tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses for the 2023-24 school year totaled $41,055 for in-state students and $71,832 for out-of-state students.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

The University of California Davis offers many well-respected graduate programs. UC Davis tuition for grad school is $12,264 (in-state) or $27,366 (out-of-state), plus fees totaling $2,296 for each. This is more than the average cost for one year of graduate school at a four-year public institution in the U.S., which is $10,320 per year. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

UC Davis does not offer the ability to pay per credit hour, even if students attend part-time. Part-time students pay half the full-time tuition.

Campus Housing Expenses

Freshmen are not required to live on campus, though more than 90% choose to do so. There are three residence halls and two apartment buildings for students to live in.

There are many options near campus for students who choose to live in apartments or houses, either on their own or with roommates.

University of California – Davis Acceptance Rate

The UC Davis acceptance rate is 42%, which means that nearly half of the students who apply are accepted.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what’s required when applying at UC Davis:

Required:

•  High school transcript and GPA

•  College preparatory program

The deadline for applications to UC Davis is December 2. You can apply to UC Davis here .

SAT and ACT Scores

No SAT or ACT scores are considered with applications through the fall of 2024, and scores won’t be considered for scholarships during this period.

Popular Majors at the University of California Davis

UC Davis offers over 100 majors and programs. Here are the most popular majors at UC Davis.

1. Psychology

One of the most popular majors is psychology, which provides a base in research methods and statistics courses, as well as courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and psychology. Students have the opportunity to conduct research, help faculty with projects, or intern in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 866

2. Management Sciences

In this program, students learn how to apply economic theory to business situations, develop problem-solving skills, and improve communication skills. Students can specialize in one of these areas: business economics, international business economics, environmental and resource economics, or agribusiness economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 498

3. Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior

Building on a foundation in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, students can choose courses based on their interests, including animal behavior, physiology of particular organ systems or groups of animals, developmental neurobiology, and endocrinology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 394

4. Economics

Economics majors at UC Davis learn about microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistics, and mathematics, as well as economic theory, American or European economic history, and data analysis. Students can also choose courses such as games theory, financial institutions, or international economic development.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 392

5. Computer Science

Computer science students will learn about programming, networking, and database systems, and can customize their studies with courses on computer graphics, artificial intelligence, data visualization, or advanced mathematics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 390

6. Human Development

This program explores the social, emotional, and cognitive development of humans, and provides hands-on learning experiences. Students will learn about nutrition and childhood and adult development. They will also get to participate in a practicum course and may opt for an internship.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 335

7. Biological Sciences

Biology students are given a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and can then take courses in molecular biology and genetics, animal behavior, plant growth and development, bioinformatics, marine biology, forensics, and microbiology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 334

8. Animal Science

This program provides ample opportunity for hands-on learning with different types of animals. Students will also learn about animal behavior, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, physiology, animal health, and productivity.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 294

9. Political Science

Political science students at UC Davis will learn about political concepts, institutions, behavior, and processes. Courses are available on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 240

10. Communication

Communications students learn about communications processes at different levels and delve into digital media and cross-cultural communications. They will also study communication theory, specific communication processes, and the role and effects of mass media. They will also have the chance to intern in their field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 239

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate for students who started at UC Davis in 2017 is 85%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

After graduating, students from UC Davis earn, on average, $81,000 per year. This is higher than the national average of $68,516 for the class of 2024.