Academic Comparison between UC Davis and UCSD

University of California-Davis and University of California-San Diego are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UCSD has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,042) than UC Davis ($46,024).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSD than UC Davis.
  • UCSD has more students with 42,006 students while UC Davis has 39,679 students.
  • UCSD has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while UC Davis's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • UCSD has more full-time faculties with 2,799 faculties while UC Davis has 2,678 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Davisvs.University of California-San Diego
Davis, CaliforniaLocationLa Jolla, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,247
Out-Of-State$46,024
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,265
Out-Of-State$46,042
65%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$20,054Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,811
42.00 %Acceptance Rates25.00 %
17.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate87 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
92 %Retention Rate93 %
39,679Student Population42,006
2,678Number of Faculties2,799
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare