University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UDub) vs UC Davis

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Seattle or Davis, home to the University of Washington-Seattle Campus and the University of California-Davis, respectively. While both institutions offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your higher education journey. Delve into our comprehensive comparison to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the spectrum of popular majors available, understand the diverse student body demographics, and gain insights into the graduation rates. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal preferences.

	University of California-Davis	University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Overview
Location	Davis, California	Seattle, Washington
Campus setting	Suburb: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	93.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	48.8%	53.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $85
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	87,120	48,840
Total number of admissions given out	42,475	26,121
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,482	7,252
Yield rate	17.6%	27.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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: $32,584 Out of state: $62,338	In state: $30,640 Out of state: $58,470
Average net price	$16,640	$8,701
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $10,927 Out of state: $38,757
Room & board	$17,018	$14,871
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	59.0% Average amount $17,628	41.0% Average amount $15,895
Students receiving federal student loan	23.0% Average amount $4,043	19.0% Average amount $4,460
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $3,360	1.0% Average amount $24,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,657 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	36,201 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	8,393 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%	16,233 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	7.5%	N/A
International students	17.0%	14.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,142	11,123
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Illinois Texas Hawaii	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Agriculture Engineering Family and Consumer Sciences	Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	86.9%	83.9%
Dropout rate	11.8%	15.6%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $189,764 Year 2: $218,927 Year 3: $206,965 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,990 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $154,987 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $137,584 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $152,099 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,070 Year 2: $127,652 Year 3: $142,606 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $141,725 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $121,620 Year 2: $124,420 Year 3: $137,488 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $121,083 Year 2: $121,294 Year 3: $131,592 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,893 Year 2: $118,349 Year 3: $127,982 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,634 Year 2: $113,228 Year 3: $125,171 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,287 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $121,695

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Washington (UW) and UC Davis?

UW is located in Seattle, a major metropolitan city with a vibrant cultural scene, thriving tech industry, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and boating. The campus itself is urban, with a mix of historic and modern architecture. UC Davis, on the other hand, is situated in a smaller, more suburban town, offering a more relaxed and rural campus environment. Davis is known for its agricultural focus and is surrounded by farmland, providing a different feel compared to the bustling city of Seattle.
How do the academic programs compare at UW and UC Davis?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UW is particularly strong in computer science, engineering, medicine, and business, benefiting from its proximity to major tech companies. UC Davis excels in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, and engineering. While both offer strong humanities and social sciences programs, the specific areas of strength differ, so consider your intended major when making your decision.
What is the cost of attendance like at UW versus UC Davis?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, varies. Generally, both universities are considered relatively affordable compared to private institutions. However, in-state tuition at both institutions is significantly lower than out-of-state tuition. Research the specific tuition and fee structures for each university, as well as potential financial aid opportunities, to get a clear picture of the costs.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between UW and UC Davis?

UW has a large and diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and a vibrant social scene, including Greek life and a wide array of student organizations. The campus is active, with many events and activities. UC Davis has a more laid-back and friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of community. The campus culture is known for its focus on sustainability, outdoor activities, and a more relaxed social environment. Consider which type of environment best suits your personality and preferences.
What are the research opportunities like at UW and UC Davis?

Both universities are major research institutions, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW benefits from its location in a hub of innovation, with strong ties to the tech and biotech industries, providing numerous research opportunities. UC Davis is a leading research university, particularly in agricultural and environmental sciences, offering unique research experiences in these fields. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your specific field of study.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare?

Both UW and UC Davis are highly selective universities. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), essays, and letters of recommendation. The specific requirements and the competitiveness of admission can vary slightly from year to year. Review the admission requirements for each university and consider your academic profile when applying.
What are the career services and job prospects like for graduates of UW and UC Davis?

Both universities offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UW graduates often find opportunities in the tech, aerospace, and healthcare industries, particularly in the Seattle area. UC Davis graduates are well-prepared for careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and related fields, with opportunities in California and beyond. The location of each university provides access to different job markets, so consider your career goals when making your decision.
How does the housing situation differ at UW and UC Davis?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options, but the availability and cost can vary. UW has a large student population, and on-campus housing can be competitive. UC Davis also has on-campus housing, and the surrounding town of Davis offers a variety of off-campus housing options. Research the housing options and costs at each university to determine what best fits your needs and budget.
What are the notable alumni and traditions associated with UW and UC Davis?

UW has a rich history and boasts notable alumni in various fields, including technology, business, and the arts. The university has strong traditions, including Husky football games and the annual Dawg Dash. UC Davis also has a strong alumni network and traditions, including Picnic Day, a large annual open house event. Research the specific traditions and notable alumni associated with each university to get a better sense of the campus culture.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Consider the location, campus environment, academic programs, cost, student life, and research opportunities when making your decision. Visit the campuses if possible, talk to current students, and research the specific programs that interest you to determine which university is the best fit for your needs.

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