University Of California-Davis Admissions

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.