University of California-Davis

With 102 majors spanning from Aerospace Science to Viticulture, UC Davis is strongest in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine (its vet school is #1 globally), and biological sciences. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is a standout, offering unique programs like Brewing Science and Avian Sciences. Computer science, economics, and statistics are popular for their strong career outcomes, while the Design and English departments punch above their weight with niche strengths in sustainable architecture and creative writing.

• Signature programs: World Food Center, Bodega Marine Laboratory, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
• Undergrad research: 40% of students participate in faculty-led research, often through the Undergraduate Research Center
• Quirks: Students can take classes in beekeeping, organic farming, or even llama husbandry at the on-campus Student Farm

Davis cultivates an easygoing, academically serious vibe where students bike everywhere (the city has over 100 miles of bike paths) and unwind at the Arboretum or weekly Farmers Market. Unlike UC Santa Barbara or UCLA, Greek life is low-key (only 10% participation), and the social scene revolves around clubs, intramurals (including Quidditch teams), and traditions like Picnic Day—a 100+-year-old festival with a Doxie Derby (dachshund races) and chemistry magic shows.

• Housing: 95% of freshmen live on campus in themed halls like 'Sustainability' or 'Arts & Humanities'
• Foodie culture: The CoHo (Coffee House) serves student-grown produce, and the dining halls have vegan/vegetarian options galore
• Student orgs: 800+ clubs including the famously quirky Davis Nerf Club and a student-run coffee shop

As one Redditor put it: 'People here are smart but not pretentious—you’ll see Nobel laureates lecturing in flip-flops.'

UC Davis graduates earn $36,427 median salary one year post-graduation, rising to $50,885 within a few years. The 4-year graduation rate is 69% (above the national average), while 86% finish within six years—a reflection of many STEM majors taking longer to complete requirements. Strong alumni networks exist in agriculture (Driscoll’s, Blue Diamond), tech (Intel, HP), and government (California EPA). About 22% of graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years, with particularly high med school acceptance rates?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. for biology majors.

The average net price is $17,270 after aid, though this varies sharply by income:

• $9,211 for families earning <$30K
• $17,270 average across all incomes
• 57% of undergrads receive need-based grants (not loans)

Merit scholarships are rare (only 7% of students), but the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for in-state students through Cal Grants and UC Blue & Gold Opportunities. Out-of-state students pay nearly triple the $14,402 in-state tuition, at $44,156 annually before aid.

UC Davis is the only UC with a fully operational airport and fire department, embodying its hands-on, problem-solving ethos. It’s a leader in sustainability (Gold-rated STARS campus) and animal sciences—students can intern at the on-campus dairy, equestrian center, or primate research facility. The blend of top-tier STEM programs with a collaborative, unpretentious culture makes it ideal for students who want rigorous academics without the cutthroat competition of Berkeley. As the saying goes: 'Cal studies the stars, Davis studies the dirt—and makes it revolutionary.'