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University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Fiat lux (Latin)("Let there be light")

1905
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
40,848
Total Students
31,797
Undergrad
7,912
Graduate
$770M
Endowment
(2024)
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of California-Davis

Discover UC Davis: A "Public Ivy" built on agricultural innovation and groundbreaking research.

Nestled in the vibrant Davis, California area, the University of California, Davis, stands proudly as a "Public Ivy" and a top-tier R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity. What began in 1905 as a focused agricultural branch of the University of California system has blossomed into a comprehensive global institution, known for its dynamic spirit and unwavering commitment to discovery. As the northernmost of the ten UC campuses, UC Davis offers a distinctive collegiate experience deeply rooted in its innovative land-grant heritage.

UC Davis has dramatically expanded its academic offerings, moving far beyond its initial agricultural focus to become a leader in diverse fields. Today, it boasts an impressive array of graduate and professional programs, including a highly respected School of Medicine, which oversees the vital UC Davis Medical Center. Aspiring students can explore cutting-edge programs in engineering, law, and education. Notably, its School of Veterinary Medicine is the largest in the United States, cementing UC Davis's reputation for excellence in specialized research and professional training. The university also supports 90 research programs and offers extensive continuing education options.

Life at UC Davis extends beyond the classroom and lab. The spirited UC Davis Aggies compete in NCAA Division I, with athletes having earned 10 Olympic medals, showcasing a strong athletic tradition. The university's commitment to intellectual prowess is evident through the remarkable achievements of its faculty, alumni, and researchers, who have been honored with two Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal, three Pulitzer Prizes, three MacArthur Fellowships, and a National Medal of Science. With a current faculty boasting members elected to prestigious national academies, UC Davis cultivates an environment where groundbreaking research and academic distinction thrive, preparing nearly 41,000 students for impactful futures.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as a "Public Ivy" and an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity."
  • Originating as an agricultural branch in 1905, it became the sixth general campus of the University of California in 1959.
  • Home to the largest veterinary school in the United States.
  • The UC Davis School of Medicine was named the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S. in 2016, with a 2.8% acceptance rate.
  • Faculty, alumni, and researchers have earned 2 Nobel Prizes, 1 Fields Medal, 3 Pulitzer Prizes, and 10 Olympic medals.
  • Educating 40,848 students (Fall 2023) across a wide range of disciplines.
  • Boasts 30 current faculty members elected to the National Academy of Sciences and 36 to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Timeline

1868
University of California established as a land-grant university, founding its College of Agriculture.
1905
Institution founded as "University Farm," an agricultural branch of the UC system.
1922
Renamed "Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture."
1938
Renamed "College of Agriculture at Davis."
1959
Officially became the sixth general campus of the University of California system, known as University of California, Davis.
2016
UC Davis School of Medicine named the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S.
🏛️
121 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within University of California-Davis

🏥

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The largest veterinary school in the United States.

🏥

UC Davis School of Medicine

Offers comprehensive medical programs, including the UC Davis Medical Center. In 2016, it was named the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S. with a 2.8% acceptance rate.

⚖️

School of Law

Provides robust programs in legal education.

⚙️

College of Engineering

Home to advanced engineering programs.

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School of Education

Offers diverse programs in education.

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School of Nursing

Features professional nursing programs.

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Graduate School of Management

Delivers comprehensive programs in business management.

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