UC Davis Rankings & Ratings

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), is a distinguished institution in the United States, known for its exceptional academic offerings, diverse community, and contributions to research and public service. As one of the ten campuses in the prestigious University of California system, UC Davis stands out as a major center for higher education, with a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs. Its legacy of academic excellence, research breakthroughs, and notable alumni has made it one of the leading public universities in the United States.

Founded in 1905 as a farm school for the University of California system, UC Davis quickly grew into one of the most respected research universities in the country. Over the years, the university has expanded its scope far beyond agriculture and has developed a strong reputation in a variety of disciplines, including life sciences, biomedicine, law, environmental science, and business. The university’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement has earned it a place among the top universities both in the United States and globally.

One of the key factors contributing to UC Davis's success is its stellar academic rankings. The university has consistently performed well in various national and international rankings, reflecting its academic rigor, research productivity, and overall impact. UC Davis is ranked 11th among public universities nationwide and 42nd among both public and private institutions in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2010. This ranking underscores the university’s strong standing among America’s top educational institutions, particularly as it continues to attract a high volume of top-tier faculty, researchers, and students from around the world.

In particular, the UC Davis School of Medicine stands out for its excellent programs in healthcare and medical education. The school is ranked 20th for primary care and 47th in research according to the 2011 edition of U.S. News "America’s Best Graduate Schools." The UC Davis School of Law also enjoys strong rankings, being rated 35th among the 184 American Bar Association-approved law schools in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2010. The law school’s reputation for academic excellence is further reflected in its ranking of 25th in the “peer assessment” category, which is based on surveys of law deans and professors. Furthermore, the school has earned a ranking of 20th for racial diversity in its student body, a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

UC Davis’s global presence is also demonstrated by its placement in the QS World University Rankings™ 2009, where it was ranked 108th globally and 38th for Life Sciences & Biomedicine. The university’s strong performance in these fields reflects the high caliber of its faculty and the cutting-edge research being conducted at its facilities. UC Davis is home to numerous world-renowned researchers, particularly in the areas of agriculture, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. The university’s life sciences and biomedicine programs have earned national and international recognition for their groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to global health challenges.

In addition to its academic strengths, UC Davis is also a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. In the 2009 Sierra magazine’s "College Sustainability Report Card," the university was awarded a B+ and ranked 24th in the “Cool Schools” survey, which highlights institutions that demonstrate leadership in campus sustainability. This ranking reflects UC Davis’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting green initiatives across its campus and surrounding community. UC Davis is particularly well-known for its research in sustainable agriculture, water resources, and renewable energy, all of which align with the university’s broader goal of contributing to the global sustainability movement.

One of the distinguishing features of UC Davis is its exceptional diversity and global outlook. The university is consistently ranked as one of the best campuses in the United States for racial and ethnic diversity, attracting students from a wide array of backgrounds. UC Davis’s commitment to providing access to higher education for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, is evident in its student body, which includes a significant number of first-generation college students and international students. As of 2009, UC Davis ranked 20th in the country for its diverse student population, reflecting the university’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This diversity is not only reflected in the student body but also in the university’s faculty, many of whom bring a wide range of global perspectives and experiences to their teaching and research.

UC Davis’s commitment to fostering a supportive academic community extends beyond its student body and faculty. The university is well-regarded for its efforts to provide robust resources for student success, including academic advising, career counseling, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Its campus offers numerous opportunities for students to engage with faculty, participate in research, and contribute to community outreach programs. UC Davis also emphasizes the importance of preparing students for leadership roles in society, with a focus on social responsibility, civic engagement, and community service.

Notably, UC Davis is home to a wide range of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. For example, Tiffany Lam, who won the title of Miss Hong Kong in 2002, is one of the many successful individuals who have benefited from their time at UC Davis. Catherine Carr, a Gold Medalist at the 1972 Summer Olympics, also exemplifies the high-achieving alumni that UC Davis produces. Others include Tanya Seaman, the founder of PhillyCarShare; Heather Fargo, former Mayor of Sacramento, California; and Kevin Shelley, former California Secretary of State. UC Davis alumni have made their mark in a variety of industries, from government and politics to business, entertainment, and sports.

The university also stands out for its contributions to the betterment of society. UC Davis is ranked 10th in the country in the Washington Monthly’s 2009 ranking of U.S. universities based on their contributions to society. This ranking takes into account factors such as the university’s service to the public, research output, and the impact of its graduates in their communities. UC Davis’s dedication to public service and social responsibility is evident in its numerous outreach programs, community service initiatives, and collaborations with local and global organizations aimed at addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.

The impact of UC Davis extends far beyond its campus, influencing public policy, economic development, and scientific advancement on a global scale. The university’s research programs have generated significant contributions to fields such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and biomedical research, many of which have had a direct positive effect on communities and industries worldwide. UC Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools globally, and its agriculture and environmental science departments are widely regarded for their pioneering work in sustainable food production and conservation efforts.

While UC Davis is highly regarded for its academic and research excellence, the university’s commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment for all its students sets it apart from other institutions. UC Davis is not only a place of learning but also a hub for social change, fostering the development of students who are committed to improving the world around them. Whether it is through groundbreaking research, public service, or leadership in sustainability, UC Davis has earned its place as one of the most respected and influential universities in the United States.

In conclusion, the University of California, Davis, is a dynamic and highly respected institution that has earned a reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and social responsibility. Its impressive rankings, notable alumni, and commitment to sustainability make it one of the top universities in the United States and globally. UC Davis’s impact extends beyond its campus, as it continues to contribute to the betterment of society through research, education, and community engagement. As a leader in higher education, UC Davis is dedicated to preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world, while also addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our global society.