University of California-Davis carries a published cost of attendance of $38,067 for California residents, including $15,247 in in-state tuition, $19,068 for room and board, and $1,381 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $46,024.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $41,238 |
| Tuition and Fees | $50,974 |
| Room and Board | $19,426 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,386 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$26,497 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,741 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,211 |
| $30–48k | $9,966 |
| $48–75k | $11,951 |
| $75–110k | $16,294 |
| $110k+ | $31,272 |
University of California-Davis carries a published cost of attendance of $38,067 for California residents, including $15,247 in in-state tuition, $19,068 for room and board, and $1,381 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $46,024. However, the average student pays just $15,288 after financial aid, representing savings of $22,779 from the sticker price.
This net price sits close to the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability within UC Davis's selectivity tier. The substantial financial aid savings demonstrate the university's commitment to access, with aid packages reducing costs by nearly 60% on average. For California families, the combination of reasonable in-state tuition and generous financial aid creates favorable affordability, particularly given the strong post-graduation earnings outcomes.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Davis graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels with a median of $13,000, ranking at the 88th percentile nationally and sitting $7,000 below the peer median of $20,000. Debt distribution spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $20,397 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 represents excellent affordability, with debt representing just 16% of first-year post-graduation income. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $23,845 with monthly payments of $314, though this represents a small subset of families.
The low debt levels reflect effective financial aid policies and reasonable cost structure, contributing to UC Davis's strong affordability index ranking at the 84.5th percentile. Graduates' debt burdens remain highly manageable relative to their earning potential, creating favorable conditions for financial stability and economic mobility.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Davis represents exceptional educational value through its combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled costs. Graduates earn $16,620 beyond expectations, ranking at the 92.4th percentile nationally, while maintaining median debt of $13,000, well below peer medians.
The institution's median earnings of $80,838 exceed the peer median by $20,295, creating substantial return advantages. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16, graduates maintain highly sustainable financial profiles that support long-term economic advancement.
The return index ranking at the 93.9th percentile reflects this favorable combination of outcomes and costs. UC Davis's position as an Opportunity Builder institution demonstrates its effectiveness in converting educational investment into career advancement, particularly for first-generation and lower-income students.
UC Davis demonstrates strong commitment to financial accessibility through its aid distribution patterns. The average financial aid savings of $22,779 reduces the published cost by nearly 60%, with aid targeting concentrated toward lower-income students.
The progressive net price structure, ranging from $8,594 for lowest-income families to $31,258 for highest-income families, indicates robust need-based aid policies. With 30.8% Pell-eligible enrollment, UC Davis serves a substantial population of lower-income students while maintaining strong outcomes.
The net price of $15,288 positions favorably against the peer median, particularly considering UC Davis's superior earnings outcomes. Aid effectiveness supports the university's Opportunity Builder designation, converting educational access into economic mobility.
