University of California-Davis admits 41.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UC Davis in the Selective (25-50%) admission tier, representing moderate selectivity that balances accessibility with academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that UC Davis maintains more selective standards than typical four-year institutions, with a difference of 36.5 percentage points. This level of selectivity means that qualified students have reasonable admission prospects while the university maintains academic rigor. Unlike highly selective institutions where even exceptional students face uncertainty, UC Davis's 41.6% admission rate provides more predictable outcomes for students who meet academic benchmarks. Students should approach UC Davis as a target school if their academic credentials align with typical admitted student profiles, rather than treating it as a reach institution. The moderate selectivity allows UC Davis to enroll diverse student populations while maintaining strong post-graduation outcomes, contributing to its Opportunity Builder designation in Azimuth's mobility framework.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UC Davis enrolls a diverse student body with 30.8% Pell-eligible students and 40.8% first-generation college students, indicating the university admits students from varied economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged circumstances. The substantial 30.4% transfer student share demonstrates that UC Davis provides pathways for community college students and those changing institutions, reflecting California's commitment to transfer accessibility. These enrollment patterns suggest that UC Davis values economic and educational diversity in its admission process, though the 41.6% admission rate indicates selectivity standards remain meaningful. The high first-generation share of 40.8% places UC Davis well above many selective institutions, indicating that applicants without family college experience constitute a significant portion of the student body. Students from lower-income families should note the substantial Pell representation when assessing institutional fit and support systems. Transfer applicants should recognize the significant transfer pathway, with nearly one-third of students entering through this route. The combination of moderate selectivity with high diversity suggests that UC Davis considers multiple factors beyond traditional academic metrics when evaluating applications.
Given UC Davis's 41.6% admission rate, students seeking similar outcomes with more accessible admission or different characteristics should consider these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
UC Davis demonstrates strong student success metrics with 93.4% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and 85.1% graduating within six years. These rates exceed the peer median retention rate of 83.7% and completion rate of 65.9%, indicating effective institutional support for degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 81.1%, creating a 4.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates some differential outcomes based on income status, though it remains smaller than gaps observed at many selective institutions. The relatively modest Pell gap suggests that UC Davis provides meaningful support systems for lower-income students, contributing to its strong mobility outcomes. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion, with retention and graduation rates well above national averages. Lower-income students should consider the Pell completion rate of 81.1% as evidence of institutional commitment to supporting diverse populations through graduation. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll encounter, with strong prospects for degree attainment across income levels.
Similar quality tier in West (#8 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools