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One of several highly ranked public universities in the Golden State, the University of California, Davis has made a name for itself as an affordable school that produces results. Though 32% of the student body is considered low-income, the university still has a six-year graduation rate of about 87%, well above the average for schools with a comparable population of students. (On top of that, grads report early-career salaries of $57,100, according to PayScale.) Students can earn undergraduate degrees in about 100 majors, but UC Davis is best known for its specialties in agriculture and animal sciences. The university is home to a dairy center, meat-processing lab, and 100-acre arboretum; its department of enology and viticulture offers a major, as well as an online winemaking certificate program. Perhaps unsurprisingly, UC Davis was practicing sustainable techniques -- such as using local produce, promoting biking, and creating energy-efficient buildings -- long before such efforts became common on college campuses. When they're not hard at work, many students are cheering along with the Aggie Pack, the biggest student-run college spirit group in the country (perks include free T-shirts, sunglasses, and In-N-Out meals). Students can also hang out at the recently renovated aquatic center, complete with a sand volleyball court and two pools.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: UC-Davis is offering most courses online this fall; those classes that are held in-person are taking place in bigger-than-normal rooms. Students must wear face coverings and observe physical distancing rules when in libraries, computer labs and other public places on campus.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$36,100
% of students who get any grants
66%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$16,400
Average price for low-income students
$10,100
admissions
Acceptance rate
41%
Median SAT/ACT Score
1280/28
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
30,700
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
97%
% of need met
81%
% of students who get merit* grants
4%
Average merit grant
$6,830
student success
Graduation rate
86%
Average time to a degree
4.3 years
Average student debt
$13,000
Average salary within 5 years
$57,100
% earning more than $28,000
84%
key deadlines
Early decision application
N/A
Regular application
N/A
coronavirus update
FALL 2020 PLAN: UC-Davis is offering most courses online this fall; those classes that are held in-person are taking place in bigger-than-normal rooms. Students must wear face coverings and observe physical distancing rules when in libraries, computer labs and other public places on campus.
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