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A new way to tour UC Davis
A typical UC Davis tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private University of California, Davis tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own UC Davis student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour University of California, Davis
Private and personalized UC Davis tours
On a traditional University of California, Davis campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private University of California, Davis tour led by a real UC Davis student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional University of California, Davis campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional University of California, Davis campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the UC Davis experience.
Find out if UC Davis is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private UC Davis tour helps you decide if University of California, Davis is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a UC Davis student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Davis life without leaving home.
Book a video chatGet to know University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis is a leading public research institution known for excellence in agriculture, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, engineering, and biological sciences, grounded in a strong commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, sustainability, and public service.
Overview
The University of California, Davis, founded in 1905, is a public research university located in Davis, California. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its colleges and schools. A UC Davis campus tour highlights the university’s collaborative academic environment, beautiful arboretum-lined campus, and strong focus on research, sustainability, and community.
Size
The University of California, Davis has a total enrollment of approximately 39,000 students, including around 31,000 undergraduates and 8,000 graduate and professional students. A private UC Davis tour gives you the opportunity to experience the size and energy of campus firsthand while getting personalized insight from a current student.
Acceptance rate
The University of California, Davis has an acceptance rate of around 40%, though admission is highly competitive and varies by major. As part of the University of California system, UC Davis is currently test-free, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered in the admissions process. A UC Davis campus tour helps applicants better understand the academic environment, campus culture, and what it takes to succeed from the perspective of current students.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, UC Davis undergraduate tuition is approximately $15,000 per year for California residents, while out-of-state students pay approximately $46,000 per year, including nonresident supplemental tuition. Graduate tuition varies by program. A significant portion of students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for need-based grants, scholarships, and other assistance to help offset costs.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, the University of California, Davis is tied for #32 among National Universities in the United States — placing it among the top 35 national research universities.
Academics
The University of California, Davis offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate and professional degree programs across its colleges and schools. It maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 20:1, supporting meaningful interaction between students and professors. On a UC Davis campus tour, students can see how rigorous academics blend with research opportunities, campus involvement, and student life.
Traditions
UC Davis’s most cherished traditions include Picnic Day—one of the largest student-run events in the country—Homecoming celebrations, the iconic UC Davis Bike Culture that defines daily campus life, and Aggie Pack spirit at athletic events. Experiencing these during a UC Davis tour highlights the strong sense of community, pride, and school spirit that define life as an Aggie.
Campus landmarks
UC Davis’s most iconic landmarks include the Eggheads sculptures scattered across campus, the scenic UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, the historic Mrak Hall, the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, the Memorial Union, and Aggie Stadium—each reflecting the university’s blend of academic excellence, natural beauty, and vibrant campus life.
Student body
UC Davis draws students from across California, with a significant majority coming from within the state, alongside strong representation from other U.S. states and more than 100 countries worldwide. As part of the University of California system, UC Davis reflects the diversity of California itself—bringing together students from a wide range of cultural, geographic, and academic backgrounds. A private UC Davis tour offers insight into how this diverse community shapes campus life, academics, and the overall student experience.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 University of California, Davis campus tours and video chats with prospective students. Share your UC Davis story and help future students find their path.
Become a guideYour UC Davis questions, answered
Where is UC Davis located?
The University of California, Davis is located in Davis, California, about 15 miles west of Sacramento and roughly 70 miles northeast of San Francisco. A UC Davis campus tour lets you experience its beautiful college-town setting and proximity to California’s capital.
How many students attend UC Davis?
UC Davis enrolls approximately 39,000 students, including about 31,000 undergraduates and 8,000 graduate and professional students.
When was UC Davis founded?
UC Davis was founded in 1905 as the University Farm and became a general campus of the University of California in 1959.
What conference is UC Davis in?
UC Davis competes in NCAA Division I athletics and is a member of the Big West Conference (with football competing in the Big Sky Conference).
Does UC Davis require an essay?
Yes. As part of the University of California application, students must complete Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), which function similarly to supplemental essays.
How much is tuition at UC Davis?
For 2024–2025, undergraduate tuition is approximately $15,000 per year for California residents. Nonresident students pay approximately $46,000 per year, including supplemental tuition. Graduate tuition varies by program.
How hard is it to get into UC Davis?
UC Davis is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 40%, though select majors may be more competitive. Strong academics, course rigor, and extracurricular involvement improve admission chances.
What GPA is required for UC Davis?
Admitted students typically have strong academic records, with competitive applicants often presenting GPAs well above 4.0 (weighted). UC minimum eligibility for California residents begins at a 3.0 GPA, though admitted averages are significantly higher.
Is UC Davis public or private?
UC Davis is a public research university and part of the University of California system.
How big is UC Davis?
The UC Davis campus spans over 5,300 acres, making it one of the largest campuses in the University of California system.
How can I book a tour of UC Davis?
You can schedule an official admissions tour through the UC Davis Visitor Center — or book a private, student-led UC Davis tour through SchoolScoops for a more personalized experience.
Does UC Davis offer private campus tours?
Yes. SchoolScoops allows you to book private UC Davis tours with a current student guide of your choice, creating a more authentic and tailored visit experience.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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