UC Davis Acceptance Rate

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), located in Davis, California, is a highly regarded public research university known for its competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UC Davis reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 37.5%, reflecting a selective yet accessible admissions landscape. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 94,000 applications received in recent years, as well as trends toward holistic review processes that consider academic performance, extracurriculars, and personal statements. UC Davis maintains transparency in its admissions data, often publishing detailed statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, accessible at ucdavis.edu.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 37.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 94,000 applicants and 35,000 admitted students, showing a slight decrease from prior years due to increased demand.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for UC Davis as it does not offer Early Action or Early Decision options; admissions are based on a single application cycle with decisions released in spring.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 30.0% based on historical trends, as international applicants (around 17% of the pool) face additional competition for limited spots.

Over the past few years, UC Davis has seen a trend of increasing competitiveness, with acceptance rates declining from around 41% five years ago to the current 37.5%. This shift is driven by a surge in applications, particularly from out-of-state and international students, as well as the university’s rising reputation in fields like agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. Compared to peer institutions within the UC system, such as UC Berkeley (around 11%) and UCLA (around 9%), UC Davis remains relatively less selective but still poses a significant challenge for applicants. The absence of Early Action or Decision options means all applicants compete in the same pool, potentially impacting strategy for those seeking an admissions edge. For prospective students, understanding these trends and preparing a strong application are crucial to navigating UC Davis’s evolving admissions landscape.