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University of California-Davis vs University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA, and University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA. University of California-Los Angeles is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 42% at University of California-Davis. University of California-Los Angeles is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,548 a year against $14,741 at University of California-Davis. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Los Angeles, compared with 85% at University of California-Davis. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn a median of about $82,511, against $80,838 for University of California-Davis.

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Davis, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
32,253
33,475
Acceptance rate
42%
9%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1400
1300–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
29–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,741
$12,548
Full cost / yr
$41,238
$38,614
In-state tuition
$16,774
$15,203
Out-of-state tuition
$50,974
$49,403
Application fee
$80
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,211
$5,579
$30k - $48k
$9,966
$6,682
$48k - $75k
$11,951
$9,811
$75k - $110k
$16,294
$14,142
Over $110k
$31,272
$29,682
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
93%
Freshman retention
93%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,461
$59,063
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,838
$82,511
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
28%
First-generation students
41%
38%
International students
13%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Nov 30

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Davis or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 42% at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,548 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,741 at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Los Angeles?
Before aid, University of California-Los Angeles costs about $38,614 a year and University of California-Davis about $41,238. 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 University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,579 there, against about $9,211 at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is the larger of the two, with about 33,475 undergraduates against 32,253 at University of California-Davis.
Does University of California-Davis or University of California-Los Angeles have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 85% at University of California-Davis.
Do graduates of University of California-Davis or University of California-Los Angeles earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,838 for University of California-Davis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Davis and University of California-Los Angeles require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Davis is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of California-Los Angeles is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do University of California-Davis and University of California-Los Angeles look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1400 at University of California-Davis and 1300–1530 at University of California-Los Angeles. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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