UC-Davis vs San Diego State University

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Choosing the right college can be a challenge, as there are numerous factors to take into consideration. In this article, we will be comparing two well-known Californian schools: UC-Davis and San Diego State University. By examining various aspects of each institution, we hope to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

UC-Davis Overview

UC-Davis, or the University of California, Davis, is a public research university and a member of the prestigious University of California system. Established in 1905, UC-Davis is located in Davis, California, and is known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine.

UC-Davis Costs & Tuition

Attending UC-Davis may be more expensive than attending a private university, as the average annual tuition and fees for in-state students are around $14,490, while out-of-state students pay around $44,249. However, financial aid is available, and on average, about 60% of freshmen receive grants.

UC-Davis Admissions

UC-Davis is considered a selective institution, with an acceptance rate of approximately 39%. Admissions are based on a holistic review of applicants, taking into account factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.

UC-Davis Degrees Offered

UC-Davis offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 100 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at UC-Davis include biological sciences, engineering, social sciences, and agriculture.

UC-Davis Academics

With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, UC-Davis offers a supportive learning environment for students. Furthermore, 37% of its classes have fewer than 20 students, which promotes individualized attention and interaction between students and faculty members.

UC-Davis Diversity

UC-Davis is known for its diverse student body, with students representing a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and social justice.

UC-Davis Students

UC-Davis has a total enrollment of around 39,000 students, with about 31,000 undergraduate and 8,000 graduate students. Student life at UC-Davis is vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities available for students to get involved in.

UC-Davis Campus

The UC-Davis campus is situated on 5,300 acres of land, providing students with a picturesque and spacious environment. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful green spaces, and a variety of amenities to cater to students’ needs.

UC-Davis Alumni

UC-Davis boasts an extensive alumni network, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include United States Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, author John Lescroart, and former California State Senator Lois Wolk.

UC-Davis Rankings

UC-Davis is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, it is ranked 39th among all national universities and 11th among public institutions.

UC-Davis Outcomes

Graduates of UC-Davis enjoy a high rate of success, with 87% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UC-Davis graduates is around $59,000.

San Diego State University Overview

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. Established in 1897, SDSU is the oldest and largest university in the San Diego area and is known for its programs in business, engineering, and health sciences.

San Diego State University Costs & Tuition

The average annual tuition and fees for in-state students at SDSU are approximately $7,510, while out-of-state students pay around $19,340. Financial aid is available, with about 58% of freshmen receiving grants.

San Diego State University Admissions

SDSU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 34%. Similar to UC-Davis, admissions at SDSU are based on a holistic review of applicants, considering factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.