UC Davis: Top Public Research University for Innovation, Diversity & Academic Excellence

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), a prestigious public land-grant research university and “Public Ivy,” has evolved from its 1905 roots as an agricultural extension of UC Berkeley into a global leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence. Located on a sprawling 5,300-acre campus, UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and is renowned for top-ranked disciplines in agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, and health sciences.

With over 41,000 students from 140+ countries and strong support for diversity—qualifying for Hispanic-Serving Institution status—UC Davis boasts vibrant campus life, robust research funding exceeding $1 billion, and groundbreaking facilities in environmental, medical, and food sciences. Its impact is further reflected through high national and global rankings, a bike-friendly and inclusive campus culture, and a notable alumni network spanning science, politics, entertainment, and beyond.

University of California, Davis: A Global Leader in Research and Innovation

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), established in 1905 as the University Farm, has grown into a public land-grant research powerhouse and a “Public Ivy,” renowned for its world-class academic programs, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. Located in Davis, California, its expansive 5,300-acre campus is a hub of discovery, attracting students and faculty from over 140 countries.

A Legacy of Excellence and Growth

Initially founded as an agricultural extension of UC Berkeley, UC Davis rapidly expanded its mission, earning general campus designation in 1959. This evolution laid the groundwork for its current diverse academic offerings, spanning a multitude of disciplines from biological and agricultural sciences to engineering, social sciences, humanities, and professional fields like medicine, law, business, and veterinary medicine.

Academic Prowess and Diverse Offerings

UC Davis boasts over 100 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate degrees, overseen by a highly diversified teaching faculty. The university’s academic strength is particularly recognized in:

• Biological and Agricultural Sciences: Consistently ranked #1 in the nation for agriculture and forestry, and #2 globally in veterinary science.
• Engineering: Strong programs in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (#3 nationally), Civil Engineering (#9 nationally), Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Health Sciences: Home to a top-ranked School of Veterinary Medicine (No. 1 in the nation) and highly regarded programs in Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health.
• Social Sciences and Humanities: Notable programs in Psychology, Sociology, Communication and Media Studies, and Law.

As of Fall 2024, UC Davis enrolled a record 41,239 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The university has also achieved eligibility for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, reflecting its growing diversity with Latinx enrollment reaching over 25.1% of undergraduate full-time-equivalent students. Among new California undergraduates, students from historically underrepresented groups comprise 37.5%.

Research and Innovation at the Forefront

UC Davis is classified as an R1 Doctoral University, signifying its very high research activity. Its commitment to groundbreaking research is evident in its substantial funding, reaching $1.04 billion in 2024, and the fact that 50% of undergraduate students engage in research and creative projects. Key research areas and facilities include:

• Comprehensive Cancer Center: A major source of new knowledge in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.
• Bodega Marine Laboratory: A leader in multidisciplinary research on coastal ecosystems.
• Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC): Internationally recognized for its research on lakes and watersheds.
• Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science: Enhances quality of life through advancements in wine, brewing, and food science.
• McClellan Nuclear Research Center: Developed for detecting defects in aircraft.
• UC Davis Institute of the Environment: Supports innovation for real-world environmental problems.
• Discoveries: UC Davis scientists unveiled images from the world’s first total body scanner in 2018.

The university’s research directly contributes to solving global challenges such as feeding a growing population, addressing climate change, and advancing health worldwide.

Campus Life: A Vibrant Community

UC Davis offers a rich and active campus life, often described as having a relaxed and positive vibe. Key aspects include:

Campus Size: A sprawling 5,300-acre campus featuring experimental agriculture plots, a central quadrangle, and an arboretum.

Student Body: A diverse student body with approximately 39,074 total students (as of Fall 2024), comprising 30,186 undergraduates and 7,272 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1.

International Presence: Over 7,500 international students from more than 108 countries, with a significant representation from China, India, and South Korea.

Student Organizations: Home to over 800 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests from academic and professional to social and Greek life.

Recreation and Wellness: Features a 150,000-square-foot fitness center (Activity and Recreation Center – ARC) with basketball courts, a weight room, indoor track, and a rec pool. The Craft Center offers classes in various arts.

Dining: 21 campus eateries, including dining commons, food trucks, and cafes.

Bike-Friendly City: Davis is known as a bike-friendly city, being the first to create dedicated bike lanes.

Community Support: Various cultural and identity resource centers, including the Cross Cultural Center, LGBTQIA Resource Center, and centers for various ethnic and underrepresented groups.

First-Year Aggie Connections: A program designed to help new students connect through shared interests.

Rankings and Recognition

UC Davis consistently ranks among the top universities nationally and globally:

• National Rankings (2025): #33 by U.S. News & World Report.
• Global Rankings (2026): #114 by QS World University Rankings, #62 by Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (2025).
• Subject-Specific Rankings:
  • #1 in the nation for Agriculture and Forestry.
  • #1 in the nation for Veterinary Medicine.
  • Among the top in Biological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Psychology, and more.
• Other Recognitions:
  • Recognized as a “Public Ivy.”
  • Ranked highly for campus sustainability, diversity, inclusiveness, and internationalization.
  • Named a Forbes “Best Employer for Diversity” and “Best Employer for Women.”

Notable Alumni

UC Davis boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields:

• Hasan Minhaj: Comedian, writer, producer, actor, and television host.
• London Breed: 45th Mayor of San Francisco.
• Martin Yan: Chef and host of the television show Yan Can Cook.
• Kimberly Guilfoyle: American television news personality.
• Urijah Faber: Mixed martial artist.
• Adam Duritz: Singer (Counting Crows).
• Stephen Robinson: NASA astronaut.
• Tani Cantil-Sakauye: Chief Justice of California.
• DJ Shadow: Music producer and DJ.
• Dian Fossey: Primatologist and conservationist.
• Andrew Huberman: Neuroscientist and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
• Charles M. Rice: 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate.

UC Davis continues to be a leading institution, fostering innovation, diversity, and academic excellence, and preparing its students to make a global impact.

FAQs about UC Davis

What is the University of California, Davis known for?
UC Davis is renowned for its top-ranked programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, biological sciences, and health sciences. It’s also recognized for groundbreaking research and sustainability.

When was UC Davis founded?
UC Davis was established in 1905 as the University Farm, originally an extension of UC Berkeley.

Where is UC Davis located?
UC Davis is located in Davis, California, about 15 miles west of Sacramento.

What is the campus size of UC Davis?
The campus spans 5,300 acres, making it one of the largest UC campuses.

Is UC Davis a research university?
Yes, it is classified as an R1 Doctoral University, indicating very high research activity.

How many students are enrolled at UC Davis?
As of Fall 2024, UC Davis enrolled 41,239 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

What are UC Davis’s strongest academic programs?
Agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, environmental science, and health sciences are among the strongest and most highly ranked.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at UC Davis?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1.

Does UC Davis support undergraduate research?
Yes, about 50% of undergraduates participate in research and creative projects.

Is UC Davis a diverse campus?
Yes, it has a highly diverse student body, with 25.1% Latinx undergraduate enrollment and 37.5% of new California undergraduates from historically underrepresented groups.

Is UC Davis a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
It has achieved eligibility for HSI designation due to its Latinx enrollment surpassing 25%.

How many international students attend UC Davis?
More than 7,500 international students from over 108 countries are enrolled.

What is UC Davis’s global ranking?
Globally, it ranks #130 by QS World University Rankings and #62 by Times Higher Education (THE) for 2025.

What is UC Davis’s national ranking?
In the U.S., it is ranked #33 by U.S. News & World Report (2025).

Is UC Davis considered a Public Ivy?
Yes, UC Davis is recognized as a Public Ivy, offering Ivy League-level education at a public university price.

What kind of student life does UC Davis offer?
The campus has over 800 student clubs, strong recreational facilities, diverse dining, and cultural and identity centers.

What recreational facilities are available at UC Davis?
The Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) includes basketball courts, an indoor track, a weight room, and a rec pool.

Is UC Davis bike-friendly?
Yes, Davis is known as the most bike-friendly city in the U.S. and was the first to implement dedicated bike lanes.

What notable research centers are at UC Davis?
Key centers include the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bodega Marine Lab, Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and the Robert Mondavi Institute.

How much research funding does UC Davis receive?
In 2024, UC Davis secured $1.04 billion in research funding.

What are some notable alumni of UC Davis?
Prominent alumni include Hasan Minhaj, Dian Fossey, Andrew Huberman, London Breed, Urijah Faber, and Charles M. Rice.

Are there first-year support programs at UC Davis?
Yes, First-Year Aggie Connections helps new students build relationships and community through shared interests.

How many majors does UC Davis offer?
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate degree programs.

Does UC Davis have a veterinary school?
Yes, UC Davis is home to the top-ranked School of Veterinary Medicine in the U.S.

What is UC Davis’s focus in environmental research?
The university leads in sustainability and environmental innovation, addressing climate change, water conservation, and ecosystem management.

Is UC Davis involved in food and wine science?
Yes, the Robert Mondavi Institute advances wine, brewing, and food science.

How is the dining experience at UC Davis?
There are 21 dining venues, including dining commons, cafes, and food trucks.

What recognitions has UC Davis received for inclusiveness?
UC Davis has been named a Forbes “Best Employer for Diversity” and “Best Employer for Women.”

Does UC Davis have professional schools?
Yes, including schools of Medicine, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, and Management.

What is the climate like at UC Davis?
Davis has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters—ideal for biking and outdoor activities.

UC Davis stands as a premier public research university, combining academic excellence, groundbreaking innovation, and a strong commitment to diversity and sustainability.

With top-ranked programs, world-class research facilities, a vibrant and inclusive campus life, and a global outlook, UC Davis continues to shape future leaders and drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Its legacy of impact, both locally and globally, makes it a standout choice for students seeking a transformative education experience.