Choosing the right college is an essential decision that can significantly impact a student’s life. This comparison of UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the two schools’ offerings and help students make an informed choice. The comparison will cover aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, rankings, and outcomes.
UC Davis Overview
UC Davis, established in 1905, is a prestigious public research university located in Davis, California. It is part of the world-renowned University of California system and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The campus spans over 5,300 acres, making it the largest in the UC system.
UC Davis Costs & Tuition
UC Davis’s estimated annual undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students are around $14,653, while out-of-state students pay approximately $43,686. Additionally, students should budget for housing, meals, books, and other personal expenses.
UC Davis Admissions
UC Davis has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 39%. Prospective students must submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and personal statements. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1160-1400 and an ACT score range of 24-34.
UC Davis Degrees Offered
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs across four colleges and six professional schools. Popular majors include Biological Sciences, Engineering, Animal Science, and Environmental Science.
UC Davis Academics
The student-faculty ratio at UC Davis is 20:1, ensuring a personalized and engaging academic experience. The university has a strong focus on interdisciplinary education and research, which allows students to explore various fields and collaborate with other students and faculty.
UC Davis Diversity
UC Davis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. Approximately 77% of the student body identifies as a minority, with 21% Hispanic or Latino, 24% Asian, and 2% Black or African American.
UC Davis Students
UC Davis has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 30,000 students. The campus offers numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities for students to engage in, promoting a vibrant and active student life.
UC Davis Campus
The sprawling UC Davis campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational areas. The campus is also home to the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre garden that serves as a living museum and a center for environmental research.
UC Davis Alumni
UC Davis boasts a strong alumni network, with notable members such as Governor of California Gavin Newsom, astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and artist Wayne Thiebaud. The university’s alumni are actively involved in various fields, including politics, business, science, and the arts.
UC Davis Rankings
UC Davis is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, UC Davis is ranked #39 in National Universities and #11 in Top Public Schools.
UC Davis Outcomes
UC Davis graduates have a strong record of success in their respective fields. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for UC Davis alumni is around $59,000, and the average mid-career salary is approximately $112,000.
Cal State Fullerton Overview
Cal State Fullerton, founded in 1957, is a comprehensive public university located in Fullerton, California. It is part of the California State University system and offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus spans over 236 acres and is known for its modern facilities, diverse student population, and vibrant campus life.
Cal State Fullerton Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at Cal State Fullerton are around $6,946, while out-of-state students pay approximately $18,826. Additional expenses, such as housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, should also be considered.
Cal State Fullerton Admissions
Cal State Fullerton has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 53%. Applicants are required to submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and personal statements. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1020-1220 and an ACT score range of 19-24.
Cal State Fullerton Degrees Offered
Cal State Fullerton offers over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs across eight colleges. Popular majors include Business Administration, Communications, Engineering, and Psychology.
Cal State Fullerton Academics
The student-faculty ratio at Cal State Fullerton is 25:1, allowing for a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students.
Cal State Fullerton Diversity
Cal State Fullerton is known for its diverse student body, with 63% of students identifying as a minority. The racial and ethnic makeup of the student population is 42% Hispanic or Latino, 24% Asian, and 2% Black or African American.
Cal State Fullerton Students
With a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 35,000 students, Cal State Fullerton boasts a lively campus atmosphere. Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Cal State Fullerton Campus
The Cal State Fullerton campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus is home to the Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden that serves as a living museum and a hub for environmental research.
Cal State Fullerton Alumni
Notable Cal State Fullerton alumni include musician Gwen Stefani, filmmaker James Cameron, and actor Kevin Costner. The university’s alumni have made significant contributions to various industries, such as entertainment, business, and technology.
Cal State Fullerton Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Cal State Fullerton is ranked #17 in Regional Universities West and #3 in Top Public Schools in the West.
Cal State Fullerton Outcomes
Graduates of Cal State Fullerton have a solid track record of success in their chosen fields. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for Cal State Fullerton alumni is around $51,000, and the average mid-career salary is approximately $95,000.
UC Davis vs Cal State Fullerton Cost Comparison
UC Davis has a higher estimated annual undergraduate tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to Cal State Fullerton. In-state students at UC Davis pay around $14,653, while in-state students at Cal State Fullerton pay around $6,946. Out-of-state students at UC Davis pay approximately $43,686, while out-of-state students at Cal State Fullerton pay around $18,826. However, considering factors such as housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the total costs for attending either school may vary significantly.
UC Davis vs Cal State Fullerton Admissions Difficulty
UC Davis has a more competitive admissions process than Cal State Fullerton, with an acceptance rate of 39% compared to Cal State Fullerton’s 53%. Additionally, the middle 50% range of SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at UC Davis is higher than that of Cal State Fullerton. As a result, gaining admission to UC Davis may be more challenging for prospective students than Cal State Fullerton.
UC Davis vs Cal State Fullerton Academic Difficulty
UC Davis is generally considered to have more rigorous academic programs compared to Cal State Fullerton. This is evident in the higher student-faculty ratio at Cal State Fullerton (25:1) compared to UC Davis (20:1), which may result in less individualized attention for students. Additionally, UC Davis offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a stronger focus on interdisciplinary education and research.
UC Davis vs Cal State Fullerton Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton have successful outcomes in their respective fields. However, UC Davis alumni generally have higher starting and mid-career salaries compared to Cal State Fullerton alumni. UC Davis graduates have an average starting salary of around $59,000 and an average mid-career salary of approximately $112,000, while Cal State Fullerton graduates have an average starting salary of around $51,000 and an average mid-career salary of approximately $95,000.
