🎓 UC Davis Scholarships & Financial Aid (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on February 3, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay at UC Davis
- Automatic and competitive scholarships (what’s real vs. hype)
- Hidden-gem awards that stack with other aid
- Honors benefits and aid strategy for California families
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ≈ 44.6% (Fall 2025)
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 4.03–4.27
- Testing: Test-free (UC does not use SAT/ACT)
- Honors: UC Davis Honors Program (UHP)
Source year: 2025–2026 verified. UC is test-free; SAT/ACT ranges are not used.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UC Davis at a Glance
⏳ If Your Student Is Waitlisted at UC Davis
UC campuses, including UC Davis, use waitlists differently from year to year. Some classes see many offers from the waitlist; others see very few. You can’t control the numbers—but you can control your response.
✅ Waitlist Game Plan
- Opt in right away. If UC Davis places your student on the waitlist, they must actively accept the spot in the portal by the stated deadline.
- Follow UC’s instructions for updates. If the portal allows an update or short statement, use it once to highlight any new 12th-grade achievements (grades, awards, leadership, major activities).
- Lock in a solid backup plan. Treat all waitlist schools as an “extra chance,” not a guarantee. Make sure your student deposits at a school they’d be willing to attend if the waitlist never moves.
- Stay realistic about timing. Waitlist decisions can extend into late spring or early summer. Build a plan that doesn’t leave your family “stuck” if you don’t hear back in time.
UC Davis will post the most accurate waitlist policies and deadlines in the applicant portal each cycle—always follow those instructions over any general advice.
FAQ
Is UC Davis test-optional? UC is test-free. SAT/ACT scores aren’t used for admission or scholarships.
Does UC Davis offer automatic merit? Mostly no. Regents and other campus scholarships are selective, not guaranteed.
Is there a true “full ride” at UC Davis? There isn’t a universal full-ride merit award. However, eligible CA residents can get full tuition covered via Blue & Gold, with additional grants possible based on need.
Do nonresidents get discounts like WUE? No. UC Davis doesn’t participate in WUE and charges nonresident supplemental tuition.
UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions
UC Davis Scholarships (incl. Regents): https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships
Regents Scholarship (UC Davis): https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships/regents
UC Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/blue-and-gold-opportunity-plan.html
UC System — Test-free policy: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/exam-requirement/index.html
UC Davis Honors Program (UHP): https://honors.ucdavis.edu/
California Student Aid Commission — Cal Grant: https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
UC Tuition & Fees (systemwide + campus): https://www.ucop.edu/operating-budget/fees-and-tuition/index.html
🧭 Is UC Davis a Good Fit?
- Is interested in agriculture, life sciences, environmental science, or veterinary paths
- Prefers collaborative academics over cut-throat competition
- Is comfortable on a large campus with strong research access
- Is a California resident who qualifies for state or UC-based aid
- Needs guaranteed merit scholarships to afford college
- Wants a small, private-college feel
- Is out-of-state and comparing lower-cost flagship options at home
- Is uncomfortable with large lectures early on
💰 Cost of Attendance at UC Davis (2026–2027)
These are the standard full-time undergraduate budget figures for students living on campus. Actual totals vary with housing type, meal plan, and personal spending.
| Category | California Resident | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $14,934 |
$52,536
includes $37,602 nonresident supplemental tuition |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $18,500 | $18,500 |
| Total Estimated COA | ≈ $33,434 | ≈ $71,036 |
Note: Additional typical costs used for aid calculations include books & supplies (~$1,300), transportation (~$750), and personal expenses (~$1,700). Actual amounts vary by student.
UC Davis typically guarantees housing for the first year for eligible incoming freshmen. After that, most students live in off-campus apartments or houses in the city of Davis.
- Many off-campus leases for sophomore year are signed in winter of freshman year (often January–February) for the following fall.
- 12-month leases are common, which means families may pay for summer months even if the student is away.
- A good rule of thumb: start the “where will you live next year?” conversation over winter break of freshman year, not in August.
California high school graduates may qualify for AB 540, which allows in-state rates even without formal residency.
💡 How This Plays Out for Real Families
CA resident, lower-income family: Tuition may be fully covered through Blue & Gold, Cal Grant, and UC grants. Families still need to plan for housing, food, and personal expenses.
CA resident, middle-income family: Aid often reduces tuition but does not eliminate it. The California Middle Class Scholarship can significantly lower costs, but a remaining gap is common.
Out-of-state family: Nonresident tuition is usually the deciding factor. Unless UC Davis offers a competitive scholarship or the program is a standout for your student, many families find in-state flagships to be the better value.
- Available to eligible California residents at UC and CSU with family income and assets that can extend into the low-to-mid $200,000s (varies by year and formula).
- Awards are formula-based and can significantly reduce systemwide tuition and fees for some middle-income families—especially those not qualifying for Blue & Gold.
- To be considered, students must file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 and list UC Davis as a school choice.
💬 UC Davis Cost of Attendance FAQs
Why is UC Davis more expensive for out-of-state students?
Nonresidents pay an extra $37,602 each year called Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. This fee is set by the University of California system and applies to all UC campuses. It is the main reason the out-of-state total is more than double the in-state amount.
Can out-of-state students qualify for California residency later?
It’s difficult. The UC system requires both physical presence and financial independence for at least a full year. Most undergraduates who moved to California only for college don’t meet those standards. The safer route is to plan on paying out-of-state rates for all four years unless you qualify under
AB 540.
What’s included in the “Cost of Attendance”?
The official UC Davis COA covers only direct university charges—tuition, campus fees, housing, and meals. Other personal costs like books, transportation, and supplies are estimated separately for financial-aid purposes but aren’t billed by the school.
What’s the difference between cost of attendance and net price?
Cost of attendance is the sticker price before aid. Net price is what families actually pay after scholarships, grants, and work-study are applied. UC Davis’s net price varies widely based on income and residency—use the
UC Davis Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does UC Davis participate in WUE or offer out-of-state tuition discounts?
No. UC Davis does not take part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and does not grant automatic tuition waivers for nonresidents. Some students may receive competitive scholarships that offset costs, but there’s no built-in discount for being from another state.
How can California residents lower their costs?
Eligible California residents can combine Cal Grant, UC Grants, and the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan—which covers in-state tuition if family income is under about $80,000. Many students also qualify for work-study and departmental scholarships.
UC Davis Cost of Attendance (Undergraduate): https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/cost
UC Davis Tuition & Fees breakdown: https://studentaccounting.ucdavis.edu/tuition-fees
UC Nonresident Supplemental Tuition: https://www.ucop.edu/operating-budget/fees-and-tuition/nonresident-supplemental-tuition/index.html
UC Davis Housing & Dining rates: https://housing.ucdavis.edu/
UC Davis Net Price Calculator: https://myawards.ucdavis.edu/aidestimator
AB 540 (CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption): https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/california-nonresident-tuition-exemption
Automatic Scholarships
Unlike some public universities, UC Davis does not offer automatic scholarships based on GPA or test scores alone. All merit-based scholarships at UC Davis require holistic admissions review, and most are competitive or need-based. The only automatic programs awarded based on submission of the FAFSA or CA Dream Act are need-based for CA residents.
If your student is a California resident with financial need, they may automatically qualify for aid like the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan or Cal Grant programs. However, these do not consider academic stats and are only available to in-state students who file the required financial aid forms on time.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan | Covers full UC systemwide tuition | CA resident or AB 540, family income under $100,000, FAFSA/CA Dream Act, must meet aid and SAP standards | No (auto via FAFSA/CADAA) | Yes (each year with continued eligibility) | CA residents who file aid forms on time, have qualifying income, and stay in good standing | March 2 |
| UC Davis Undergraduate Scholarships | $1,000–$16,000 | Incoming or continuing students, merit and need, plus background, major, activities; holistic review | No separate app (UC admission covers most; some require extra essay for special funds) | Varies; most are re-applied for/awarded annually | Applicants with strong UC app and fit for donor/major criteria; not guaranteed by GPA alone | Nov 30 (UC app); March 2 (aid-linked) |
UC Davis does not publish GPA cutoffs or auto-award charts—there are no guaranteed scholarships just for having a high GPA or ACT/SAT. All aid is determined by holistic review and/or demonstrated need.
FAQ
- Does UC Davis offer scholarships based on GPA or test scores?
- No. There are no automatic scholarships at UC Davis just for a GPA or test score. All awards undergo holistic review and are often tied to need, residency, or department.
- Can out-of-state students get automatic scholarships at UC Davis?
- No. UC Davis does not have automatic scholarships or tuition waivers for out-of-state students. Nonresidents pay full tuition unless they earn limited competitive awards or external/private funds.
- What is the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan?
- It is a need-based aid program for California residents with family income under $100,000. UC covers your tuition/fees if you qualify, but not housing or other costs.
- Do I need to apply separately for UC Davis scholarships?
- Most scholarships are tied to your general UC application and FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. Some donor or department awards may require a separate essay or departmental form.
Competitive Scholarships
Most major scholarships at UC Davis are competitive. Students are evaluated individually through their UC application—awards are not automatically guaranteed by GPA or test scores. Some are highly selective or invite-only, while others are open to any student who qualifies academically and financially.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents Scholarship | $7,500/year (up to 4 years) | Top 1–2% of all applicants (invitation only); all majors, CA and nonresident | No (auto-considered with UC app; invite only) | Yes (3.25+ GPA and full-time status required each year) | Most academically outstanding freshman and transfer admits; strong grades, essays, broad achievements | Nov 30 (UC app) |
| Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships | $1,000–$16,000 | Current/returning students; merit or need; typically 3.25+ UC GPA; rec letter often required | Yes (annual application required) | Mostly one year; apply each year to renew | Students with strong ongoing UC Davis record and community or academic engagement | Jan 7 |
| Departmental & Donor Scholarships | $500–$4,000 | Varies by college/major, often merit or need, sometimes specific backgrounds, talents, or activities | Most via main UC Davis scholarship app; some majors require extra form/essay | Varies by award | Students with strong fit for major, department, or donor intent and a well-matched application | Jan 7 |
Not exactly. UC Davis automatically considers all applicants for scholarships like the Regents, but only the highest achieving students get an offer—being qualified does not guarantee a spot. Most other awards, especially departmental and donor-funded ones, require students to complete the UC Davis scholarship application for best consideration.
Don’t miss the March 2 deadline: To qualify for most scholarships and need-based aid at UC Davis, you must submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act application by March 2.
FAQ
- What does “invitation only” mean for the Regents Scholarship?
- Students cannot apply directly. The admissions office reviews all UC applications and selects top 1–2% of applicants for the Regents offer. Notification comes by email or portal update in spring.
- Can out-of-state students receive the Regents Scholarship?
- Yes. Both California and nonresident students are eligible for the Regents award, though the amount is fixed and does not fully offset the nonresident surcharge.
- How do you apply for departmental or donor-funded scholarships?
- All undergraduates should submit the UC Davis scholarship application (typically open in fall, closes early January). Some awards may require a short essay or departmental form.
- Do you need to submit the FAFSA or CADAA?
- Yes. Almost all scholarships at UC Davis—need or merit—require students to file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 for full eligibility.
- What if I miss the March 2 deadline?
- Late forms limit your access to grants and campus scholarships. You can file after March 2 but may only get loans or limited campus funds. Even a draft FAFSA/CADAA is better than nothing; update details later if needed.
Honors at UC Davis
UC Davis doesn’t have a standalone honors college, but its University Honors Program (UHP) offers a selective, invitation-only experience for top students. UHP members enjoy smaller classes, peer communities, faculty mentoring, and enhanced research and leadership opportunities. Admission is by invitation before admission decisions, or by application for current students in their first year.
UHP itself does not provide an exclusive scholarship. However, students in the program are frequently selected for major awards like the Regents Scholarship or donor scholarships. Advantages of UHP often lead to unique research grants, special leadership roles, and support to pursue prestigious awards during and after their studies.
FAQ
- How do you get into the University Honors Program?
- For first-year students, most are invited based on their UC application (typically GPA 4.2+ plus strong holistic review). Current UC Davis students can apply if their UC GPA is 3.7+ after the first year, with selection based on grades and engagement.
- Is the Honors Program only for California residents?
- No. Out-of-state and international students are also eligible—UHP selection is based on performance and potential, not residency.
- Does the Honors Program offer a scholarship?
- Not directly. Admission to UHP does not come with a direct monetary award, but students frequently receive competitive scholarships, research funding, or are strong candidates for awards like Regents or national honors (Goldwater, Truman, etc.).
- Can students apply later if not invited as freshmen?
- Yes—continuing students with a UC GPA of 3.7+ after their first year are eligible to apply. Selection also values leadership, research, and involvement.
⭐ College Specialty
UC Davis is a public R1 research university with a reputation that’s bigger than most parents expect—especially in fields tied to the real world. It’s nationally known for agriculture and food systems, animal and veterinary sciences, and hands-on life science research, with a strong sustainability “through-line” across majors. If your student likes learning by doing (labs, fieldwork, research teams, real clients), Davis tends to feel practical and career-connected—not just prestigious on paper.
- Agriculture, Food Systems & Environmental Science: One of the most recognized campus ecosystems in the country for sustainable agriculture, plant science, viticulture, water, and environmental policy.
- Veterinary & Animal Science: A major national hub for animal health, biomedical innovation, public health connections, and research tied to real-world impact.
- Biological & Life Sciences: Strong lab and research culture for undergrads (especially in bio, genetics, neuroscience, microbiology, and human health–adjacent fields).
- Engineering with “applied” strengths: Particularly strong where engineering overlaps with people and the planet—biomedical, environmental, mechanical, and tech projects connected to research labs and industry partnerships.
- Sustainability as a campus advantage: Many programs intentionally weave climate, food, energy, and community impact into coursework, research, and internships.
🔗 Official UC Davis Links
Use UC Davis’s official university resources below to verify admissions requirements, scholarship policies, cost details, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions -
Application Types & Deadlines:
https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply -
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships/campus -
Campus & Departmental Scholarships:
https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/cost -
Net Price Calculator:
https://myawards.ucdavis.edu/aidestimator/ -
Admitted Student Profile / Common Data Set:
https://aggiedata.ucdavis.edu/common-data-set