Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Irvine
- California-Davis Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 7
- California-Irvine Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Irvine offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,251 vs University of California-Davis's $14,741, University of California-Irvine delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of California-Irvine benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $80,735 at ten years.
39 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California-Davis
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,838 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than University of California-Irvine
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,000, the lower of the two
California-Irvine
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,251, roughly $490 a year less
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-Davis graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (18% of degrees); California-Irvine in Social Sciences (15%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of California-Davis over University of California-Irvine. Median earnings of $80,838 ten years after enrollment vs $80,735.
Pick University of California-Irvine over University of California-Davis. Net price $14,251 vs $14,741.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Davis and University of California-Irvine are close on paper, but University of California-Irvine wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Irvine is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while University of California-Davis takes 42%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Irvine sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of California-Irvine comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,251, about $490 a year below University of California-Davis's $14,741. Graduates of University of California-Davis also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $15,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,960 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Irvine leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Davis graduates report median earnings of $80,838, compared with $80,735 at University of California-Irvine. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Davis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Irvine to keep costs and debt down; pick University of California-Davis for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of California-Irvine saves about $490 a year, yet University of California-Davis graduates earn $103 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — California-Davis competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,000, against $13,000 at University of California-Davis.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Irvine holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% of admitted students enroll, versus 16% at California-Davis — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. California-Irvine offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Davis does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 1 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 2 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
The University of California-Davis has a graduation rate of 85%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate reflects the supportive environment and resources available to students. With an acceptance rate of 42%, UC Davis attracts a competitive pool of applicants looking for solid academic outcomes.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC Davis does not have specific mobility or success rate data available. However, the school’s strong graduation rate suggests that students from various backgrounds can thrive here. The focus on programs such as Biology, Engineering, and Business supports a diverse range of career paths.
In terms of practical considerations, the net price for students is $14,741, making it relatively affordable for a public university in California. Graduates can expect to earn about $80,838 within ten years of completing their degrees. The median debt for graduates stands at $13,000, indicating manageable financial obligations. Students who thrive at UC Davis are often those engaged in collaborative learning and who seek to make an impact in fields like social sciences and engineering.
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA · Public
About 30% of students at the University of California-Irvine are first-generation college students. This highlights the school's commitment to accessibility and support for those navigating higher education without familial guidance. With nearly 30,000 students, UCI creates a vibrant campus life with diverse academic opportunities.
According to data from Opportunity Insights, UCI graduates see substantial earnings, with a median income of $80,735 within ten years of graduation. This suggests that students are likely to experience upward mobility after completing their degrees. While specific mobility rates are not available, the university's strong graduation rate of 86% indicates that a majority of students successfully complete their programs.
The net price for attending UCI is approximately $14,251, making it a relatively affordable option for a public university in California. Graduates incur a median debt of $15,000, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here are often those who are engaged in social sciences, psychology, business, or engineering, benefiting from a supportive academic environment and a wealth of resources.
Rankings They Appear On
University of California-Davis and University of California-Irvine appear together in 9 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in California, University of California-Davis ranks #9 — University of California-Davis outranks University of California-Irvine by 9 positions.
Top Degree Programs
California-Davis's top program is Biology (18% of enrollment), while California-Irvine leads with Sociology (15%).
California-Davis
California-Irvine
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for California-Davis) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Irvine).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-Davis is strongest in Engineering, while University of California-Irvine concentrates in Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 42% at University of California-Davis.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,251 after aid versus $14,741 at University of California-Davis.
Do University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine graduates earn more?
University of California-Davis graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,838 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,735 at University of California-Irvine.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 85%.
Should you choose University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Irvine if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of California-Davis if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do California-Davis and California-Irvine stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
