University of California-Davis vs Occidental College
University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA, and Occidental College is a private college in Los Angeles, CA. University of California-Davis is the more selective of the two, admitting about 42% of applicants against 44% at Occidental College. University of California-Davis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,741 a year against $38,263 at Occidental College. About 85% of students graduate at University of California-Davis, compared with 83% at Occidental College. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Davis alumni earn a median of about $80,838, against $75,951 for Occidental College.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Davis, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
32,253
1,877
Acceptance rate
42%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1400
1380–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
31–34
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,741
$38,263
Full cost / yr
$41,238
$84,800
In-state tuition
$16,774
$66,274
Out-of-state tuition
$50,974
$66,274
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,211
$20,705
$30k - $48k
$9,966
$17,655
$48k - $75k
$11,951
$21,468
$75k - $110k
$16,294
$28,033
Over $110k
$31,272
$54,959
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
83%
Freshman retention
93%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,461
$52,209
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,838
$75,951
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
17%
First-generation students
41%
18%
International students
13%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 10
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is University of California-Davis or Occidental College harder to get into?
- University of California-Davis is harder to get into. It admits about 42% of applicants, compared with 44% at Occidental College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Davis or Occidental College?
- University of California-Davis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,741 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,263 at Occidental College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of California-Davis and Occidental College?
- Before aid, University of California-Davis costs about $41,238 a year and Occidental College about $84,800. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of California-Davis or Occidental College?
- University of California-Davis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,211 there, against about $20,705 at Occidental College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of California-Davis or Occidental College?
- University of California-Davis is the larger of the two, with about 32,253 undergraduates against 1,877 at Occidental College.
- Does University of California-Davis or Occidental College have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Davis has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 83% at Occidental College.
- Do graduates of University of California-Davis or Occidental College earn more?
- University of California-Davis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,838 ten years after enrolling, against about $75,951 for Occidental College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Davis and Occidental College require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Davis is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Occidental College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Davis and Occidental College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1400 at University of California-Davis and 1380–1520 at Occidental College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Davis vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Davis vs University of California-BerkeleyOccidental College vs Pomona CollegeOccidental College vs Claremont McKenna CollegeOccidental College vs Pitzer College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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