CollegeDroid logo
Login
CollegeDroid logo

UT Austin vs UC Davis

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two prestigious universities: The University of Texas at Austin and University of California-Davis. Both institutions offer a world-class education, but they have distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UT Austin boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while UC Davis offers a slightly higher chance of admission. Explore the comparison table to discover the diverse range of popular majors available at each university, catering to various academic interests. Delve into the student body demographics to understand the vibrant and diverse communities that await you. Finally, consider the graduation rates as an indicator of each university's commitment to student success. This comprehensive comparison will guide you in making an informed choice that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

 		University of California-Davis logo

University of California-Davis

Overview

Location Austin, Texas Davis, California
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 91.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 48.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75
Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $70
Graduate: $120
SAT range 1230 - 1500 N/A
ACT range 27 - 33 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 56.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 87,120
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 42,475
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 7,482
Yield rate 47.7% 17.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788
Out of state: $59,032
In state: $32,584
Out of state: $62,338
Average net price $16,589 $16,640
Tuition
In state: $11,752
Out of state: $40,996
In state: $11,442
Out of state: $41,196
Room & board $12,768 $17,018
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 51.0%
Average amount $12,725 		59.0%
Average amount $17,628
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961 		23.0%
Average amount $4,043
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366 		11.0%
Average amount $3,360

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% 		31,657
Men 39.8% Women 60.2%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% 		8,393
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 9.2% 7.5%
International students 9.1% 17.0%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity 7,809 11,142
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois California Washington Illinois Texas Hawaii

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Engineering
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 21:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 86.9%
Dropout rate 11.7% 11.8%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $121,903
  • Year 2: $135,393
  • Year 3: $137,917
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $127,500
  • Year 2: $125,015
  • Year 3: $135,009
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,299
  • Year 2: $116,258
  • Year 3: $127,335
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,488
  • Year 2: $81,609
  • Year 3: $103,694
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,669
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $100,961
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,976
  • Year 2: $98,186
  • Year 3: $99,585
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,487
  • Year 2: $82,440
  • Year 3: $98,364
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $87,604
  • Year 3: $94,032
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,487
  • Year 2: $70,370
  • Year 3: $89,594
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,514
  • Year 2: $74,262
  • Year 3: $87,586

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between UT Austin and UC Davis?

    UT Austin is located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, offering a bustling urban environment with a strong music, tech, and arts scene. The campus itself is large and integrated into the city. UC Davis, on the other hand, is situated in a more suburban, college-town setting in Davis, California. It provides a more relaxed and agricultural-focused environment, with a significant emphasis on outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.

  • How do the academic programs compare at UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UT Austin is particularly strong in engineering, business, law, and liberal arts, with a highly ranked McCombs School of Business and Cockrell School of Engineering. UC Davis excels in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, and engineering. Both universities have excellent programs, but your choice should align with your specific academic interests.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at UT Austin versus UC Davis?

    The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status and financial aid. Generally, UT Austin offers a lower tuition rate for in-state students compared to UC Davis, due to the difference in state funding models. However, both universities offer financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants to help offset the cost of attendance. Out-of-state tuition is typically higher at both institutions. It's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

  • How does the student life and campus culture differ between UT Austin and UC Davis?

    UT Austin has a large and active student body with a vibrant social scene, including a strong Greek life, numerous student organizations, and a passionate fanbase for its Longhorns sports teams. UC Davis fosters a more close-knit community feel, with a focus on outdoor activities, sustainability, and a more relaxed social atmosphere. Both universities offer a diverse range of student activities, but the overall culture differs significantly.

  • What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels of UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities are highly selective. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), essays, and letters of recommendation. UT Austin generally has a slightly higher acceptance rate than UC Davis, but both are considered highly competitive. The specific requirements and selectivity can vary year to year, so it's crucial to review the most current information on each university's admissions website.

  • How do the career services and job placement opportunities compare at UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. UT Austin, located in a major city with a thriving job market, often has strong connections to tech, business, and government sectors. UC Davis, being closer to Silicon Valley and with its strong agricultural and science programs, offers excellent opportunities in those fields. The specific career opportunities will depend on your chosen major and career goals.

  • What are the research opportunities like at UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities are leading research institutions, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UT Austin has a wide range of research centers and institutes across various disciplines. UC Davis is particularly renowned for its research in agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your field of study and your initiative in seeking them out.

  • How does the diversity of the student body compare at UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities strive for diversity in their student bodies. UT Austin has a large and diverse student population, reflecting the demographics of Texas. UC Davis also has a diverse student body, with a strong representation of students from various backgrounds. Both universities are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

  • What are the housing options like at UT Austin and UC Davis?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UT Austin has a large number of residence halls and apartments, as well as numerous off-campus housing options in the city of Austin. UC Davis also provides on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments, and has a range of off-campus housing options in the town of Davis. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to apply early and explore your options.

  • Which university is better for me, UT Austin or UC Davis?

    The 'better' university depends entirely on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. If you thrive in a bustling urban environment and are interested in programs like business, engineering, or law, UT Austin might be a good fit. If you prefer a more relaxed, community-oriented environment and are interested in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or biological sciences, UC Davis could be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs that interest you to make an informed decision.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs The University of Alabama The University of Alabama
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Auburn University Auburn University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Arizona State University Campus Immersion Arizona State University Campus Immersion
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Arizona University of Arizona
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs California State University-San Bernardino California State University-San Bernardino
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of California-Davis University of California-Davis
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Loyola Marymount University Loyola Marymount University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Pepperdine University Pepperdine University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Connecticut University of Connecticut
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Florida State University Florida State University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Florida University of Florida
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana University-Bloomington
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Iowa State University Iowa State University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Iowa University of Iowa
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Kansas University of Kansas
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College Park
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-New Brunswick
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of New Mexico-Main Campus University of New Mexico-Main Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs CUNY Graduate School and University Center CUNY Graduate School and University Center
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Baylor University Baylor University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Rice University Rice University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Southern Methodist University Southern Methodist University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Texas State University Texas State University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Texas A & M University-College Station Texas A & M University-College Station
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Texas Tech University Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs South University-Austin South University-Austin
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs DeVry University-Texas DeVry University-Texas
The University of Texas at Austin UT Austin vs The Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Arizona University of Arizona
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins Colorado State University-Fort Collins
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Florida State University Florida State University
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Georgia University of Georgia
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Iowa State University Iowa State University
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Kentucky University of Kentucky
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Columbia
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Nevada-Reno University of Nevada-Reno
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-New Brunswick
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of New Mexico-Main Campus University of New Mexico-Main Campus
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Oregon State University Oregon State University
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Texas A & M University-College Station Texas A & M University-College Station
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
University of California-Davis UC Davis vs The Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University

Find Colleges By State

Colleges In California Colleges In Colorado Colleges In Florida Colleges In Georgia Colleges In Illinois Colleges In Massachusetts
Colleges In Missouri Colleges In Michigan Colleges In New Jersey Colleges In New York Colleges In North Carolina Colleges In Ohio
Colleges In Pennsylvania Colleges In South Carolina Colleges In Texas Colleges In Virginia View all states

Resources

High School GPA Calculator College GPA Calculator

About

About CollegeDroid Privacy Policy Contact Us
CollegeDroid logo