University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

publicgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“Fiat lux (Latin)”("Let there be light")

Wikipedia

1905

Founded

Public land-grant research university

Type

40,848

Total Students

31,797

Undergrad

7,912

Graduate

$770M

Endowment

(2024)

Doctoral Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of California-Davis

From its agricultural roots, UC Davis blossomed into a Public Ivy with world-class research.

Nestled in the heart of California, the University of California, Davis, stands as a vibrant Public Ivy and a leading R1 research institution. What began in 1905 as a pioneering agricultural branch of the University of California system has profoundly evolved, becoming the sixth comprehensive UC campus in 1959. Today, UC Davis is celebrated for its expansive academic offerings and a spirit of innovation that extends far beyond its initial focus.

Prospective students will discover a dynamic intellectual environment with nearly 41,000 bright minds. While its agricultural heritage remains a cornerstone, the university has cultivated world-class programs across a diverse spectrum. From the largest veterinary school in the nation to a highly competitive School of Medicine, UC Davis offers exceptional opportunities in engineering, science, law, education, nursing, and business management. This breadth of excellence, combined with its land-grant mission, fosters a unique blend of practical application and rigorous scientific inquiry.

UC Davis is a hub of groundbreaking research, with faculty, alumni, and researchers earning top accolades including Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal, and Pulitzer Prizes. Its commitment to discovery is evident in its numerous faculty elected to prestigious national academies. The campus provides an engaging student experience, where Aggie athletes compete in NCAA Division I, reflecting a strong sense of community and achievement. Choosing UC Davis means stepping into a legacy of innovation, academic rigor, and a commitment to making a tangible impact on the world.

Key Highlights

✦Recognized as a "Public Ivy" and an R1: Doctoral University with "Very High Research Activity."
✦Home to the largest veterinary school in the United States.
✦UC Davis School of Medicine was named the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S. in 2016 (2.8% acceptance rate).
✦Enrolls over 40,800 students, fostering a large and diverse academic community.
✦Faculty, alumni, and researchers have earned prestigious honors, including Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal, and Pulitzer Prizes.
✦More than 70 current faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, or National Academy of Medicine.

Timeline

1868

The University of California, parent institution of UC Davis, was established as a land-grant university, founding its College of Agriculture.

1905

The institution, later UC Davis, was first founded as an agricultural branch, known as University Farm.

1922

Renamed the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture, reflecting its expanding role.

1938

Designated as the College of Agriculture at Davis, further solidifying its identity.

1959

Became the sixth general campus of the University of California system, formally establishing UC Davis.

🏛️

121 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within University of California-Davis

🏥

UC Davis School of Medicine

Recognized for its highly competitive admissions, with a 2.8% acceptance rate in 2016.

🏥

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The largest veterinary school in the United States.

Find Scholarships at University of California-Davis

Start Your Free Search