Colleges › California › University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as UC Davis
University of California, Davis accepts 42% of applicants. It is a public university in Davis, California, with about 32,253 undergraduates. The sticker price is $37,783 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,318.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for UC Davis?
Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 46% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of California, Davis by GPA
University of California, Davis does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | California resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 3% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.3 | 3% Reach | 1% Reach |
| 3.5 | 7% Reach | 2% Reach |
| 3.7 | 17% Reach | 6% Reach |
| 3.9 | 34% Target | 13% Reach |
| 4.0 | 46% Target | 20% Reach |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of California, Davis
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $37,783 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $9,400 | $40,700 |
| $50k – $100k | $11,600 | $43,500 |
| $100k – $150k | $15,600 | $47,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $35,500 | $67,500 |
| Over $250k | $37,783 | $70,800 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of California, Davis
What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Davis?
University of California, Davis admits 42% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Davis?
Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 46% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of California, Davis?
University of California, Davis does not consider SAT or ACT scores.
How much does University of California, Davis cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $37,783 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,318 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of California, Davis?
86% of students finish their degree, and 93% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of California, Davis
- Cal State Long BeachLong Beach, CA · admits 46%
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA · admits 36%
- University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · admits 33%
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC · admits 42%
- University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN · admits 42%
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL · admits 42%