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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

From agricultural roots to a global research powerhouse, UC Davis illuminates the future.

Rooted in a rich history as an agricultural branch, the University of California, Davis has blossomed into a globally recognized public land-grant research university. Celebrated as a "Public Ivy" and classified among the elite "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," UC Davis offers a dynamic and rigorous academic environment. Its journey began in 1905 as the "University Farm," evolving to become the sixth general campus of the prestigious University of California system in 1959, demonstrating a remarkable trajectory of growth and innovation.

Today, UC Davis is renowned for its comprehensive academic offerings, spanning far beyond its agricultural origins. It boasts the largest School of Veterinary Medicine in the United States, alongside highly competitive programs in medicine, engineering, science, law, education, nursing, and business management. With 90 research programs and a faculty roster featuring members of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, students are immersed in an environment of groundbreaking discovery and intellectual exploration.

The vibrant campus in Davis, California, is home to over 40,000 students, fostering a lively academic and social scene. Aggie athletes compete fiercely in NCAA Division I, with a proud record of 10 Olympic medals. Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, the university's impact is evident in the remarkable achievements of its faculty, alumni, and researchers, who have been honored with two Nobel Prizes, three Pulitzer Prizes, a Fields Medal, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring UC Davis's commitment to excellence and its profound influence on the world.

Key Highlights

  • A "Public Ivy" and R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity.
  • Home to the largest School of Veterinary Medicine in the United States.
  • UC Davis School of Medicine was ranked the 6th most competitive medical school nationally in 2016.
  • Faculty, alumni, and researchers have been awarded two Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal, and three Pulitzer Prizes.
  • A thriving community of over 40,000 students in Davis, California.
  • Aggie athletes have collectively earned 10 Olympic medals.

Timeline

1868
The University of California established, founding the College of Agriculture.
1905
Founded as an agricultural branch, initially known as the "University Farm."
1922
Renamed the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture.
1938
Renamed the College of Agriculture at Davis.
1959
Became the sixth general campus of the University of California system.
2016
UC Davis School of Medicine named the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S.
🏛️
121 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within University of California-Davis

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UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The largest veterinary school in the United States.

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UC Davis School of Medicine

Recognized in 2016 as the 6th most competitive medical school in the U.S. with a 2.8% acceptance rate.

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