Choosing the right university is an essential step in shaping your future. In this comparison, we will take an in-depth look at two reputable institutions: UC Davis and Virginia Tech. By examining their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, we hope to provide a comprehensive analysis to help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.
UC Davis Overview
UC Davis, also known as the University of California, Davis, is a public research university located in Davis, California. Founded in 1905, it is part of the prestigious University of California system. UC Davis offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various fields and disciplines. With a strong emphasis on research, the university is known for its commitment to sustainability, agricultural science, and veterinary medicine.
UC Davis Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UC Davis varies depending on several factors, including residency status and the number of units taken. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $14,597 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will face costs closer to $44,351. The total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses, is estimated at $37,057 for in-state students and $66,811 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and approximately 73% of UC Davis students receive some form of financial assistance.
UC Davis Admissions
Admission to UC Davis is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 39.5% for the Fall 2020 class. The university assesses applicants based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal achievements, and personal insight questions. Prospective students must submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and other supporting documents by the application deadline. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 1230 to 1480, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 33.
UC Davis Degrees Offered
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs across four colleges and six professional schools. Some of the most popular majors at UC Davis include Biological Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The university also offers various interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to customize their education based on their interests and career goals.
UC Davis Academics
UC Davis is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to research. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, allowing for personalized attention and engagement in the classroom. Professors at UC Davis are experts in their fields and often engage in cutting-edge research, providing students with valuable learning opportunities and hands-on experience.
UC Davis Diversity
UC Davis is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity on its campus. The student population is comprised of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university also offers support services and programs to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
UC Davis Students
UC Davis has a vibrant and diverse student population of more than 39,000 students, with approximately 30,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers over 500 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. Moreover, UC Davis has a strong commitment to sustainability, with various environmentally-focused programs and initiatives.
UC Davis Campus
The UC Davis campus spans over 5,300 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, green spaces, and recreational facilities. Students have access to state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and study spaces, as well as various dining options and on-campus housing choices. The university also boasts a robust athletics program, with various sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I.
UC Davis Alumni
UC Davis has a strong alumni network, with more than 250,000 graduates worldwide. Some notable UC Davis alumni include former California governor Jerry Brown, NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, and actor Timothy Busfield. The university also provides various resources and support services to help alumni stay connected and engaged with the campus community.
UC Davis Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UC Davis is ranked #39 in National Universities, #8 in Top Public Schools, and #34 in Best Colleges for Veterans. Moreover, the university’s College of Engineering is ranked #32, and its College of Biological Sciences is ranked #2 in the nation.
UC Davis Outcomes
UC Davis graduates have a high rate of success, with a 3-year graduation rate of 61.3% and a 6-year rate of 86.4%. According to PayScale, the average starting salary for UC Davis alumni is $57,000, while the average mid-career salary is $109,000. Graduates from UC Davis have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including research, technology, healthcare, business, and public service.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, also known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, architecture, and technology-related programs. The university offers more than 110 undergraduate majors and over 170 graduate degree programs across nine colleges, providing a diverse range of academic options for students.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students at Virginia Tech can expect to pay around $13,691 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will face costs closer to $32,835. The total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses, is estimated at $27,324 for in-state students and $46,468 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, with approximately 66% of Virginia Tech students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Admission to Virginia Tech is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 70% for the Fall 2020 class. Applicants are evaluated based on their high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Prospective students must submit their SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and other supporting documents by the application deadline. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 1180 to 1390, while the average ACT score is between 25 and 31.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers a diverse range of degree programs across its nine colleges, including the College of Engineering, College of Architecture and Urban Studies, College of Science, and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Some of the most popular majors at Virginia Tech include Engineering, Business, Management, Marketing, and Social Sciences.
Virginia Tech Academics
Virginia Tech is renowned for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and research. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, allowing for personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences. Professors at Virginia Tech are experts in their fields and often engage in cutting-edge research, providing students with valuable learning opportunities and real-world experience.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The student population is comprised of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university offers support services and programs aimed at fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Virginia Tech Students
Virginia Tech has a vibrant and diverse student population of more than 34,000 students, with approximately 29,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers over 700 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. Additionally, Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to sustainability, with various environmentally-focused programs and initiatives.
Virginia Tech Campus
The Virginia Tech campus covers over 2,600 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, green spaces, and recreational facilities. Students have access to state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and study spaces, as well as various dining options and on-campus housing choices. The university also boasts a robust athletics program, with various sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Virginia Tech has a strong alumni network, with more than 250,000 graduates worldwide. Some notable Virginia Tech alumni include former NASA astronaut Charles Camarda, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and author Sharyn McCrumb. The university also provides various resources and support services to help alumni stay connected and engaged with the campus community.
Virginia Tech Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Virginia Tech is ranked #74 in National Universities, #30 in Top Public Schools, and #61 in Best Colleges for Veterans. Moreover, the university’s College of Engineering is ranked #13, and its College of Architecture and Urban Studies is ranked #3 in the nation.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
Virginia Tech graduates have a high rate of success, with a 3-year graduation rate of 34.6% and a 6-year rate of 84.8%. According to PayScale, the average starting salary for Virginia Tech alumni is $60,000, while the average mid-career salary is $106,000. Graduates from Virginia Tech have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including engineering, technology, business, and public service.
UC Davis vs Virginia Tech Cost Comparison
Despite the differences in location, the cost of attendance for in-state students is relatively similar at both UC Davis and Virginia Tech. UC Davis has a slightly higher in-state tuition cost at $14,597 compared to Virginia Tech’s $13,691. However, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at UC Davis, with a cost of $44,351 compared to Virginia Tech’s $32,835. The total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses, is also higher for out-of-state students at UC Davis ($66,811) than at Virginia Tech ($46,468). It’s important to consider these financial factors when deciding between the two universities.
UC Davis vs Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
Both UC Davis and Virginia Tech have competitive admissions processes, but UC Davis is slightly more selective, with a 39.5% acceptance rate compared to Virginia Tech’s 70%. While both universities evaluate applicants based on their high school performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, UC Davis has higher average SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students. Prospective students should take these factors into account when applying to either institution.
UC Davis vs Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Both UC Davis and Virginia Tech offer rigorous academic programs, with strong emphases on research and hands-on learning experiences. The student-faculty ratios at both universities are relatively similar, with UC Davis having a 20:1 ratio and Virginia Tech having a 16:1 ratio. This allows for personalized attention and engagement in the classroom at both institutions. Students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or related fields may find Virginia Tech to be more challenging due to its strong focus on these areas. However, UC Davis also offers a diverse range of programs and interdisciplinary opportunities for students to explore.
UC Davis vs Virginia Tech Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both UC Davis and Virginia Tech have high graduation rates, with UC Davis having a slightly higher 6-year graduation rate at 86.4% compared to Virginia Tech’s 84.8%. The average starting salary for Virginia Tech alumni is slightly higher at $60,000 compared to UC Davis alumni’s $57,000. However, the average mid-career salary is slightly higher for UC Davis alumni at $109,000, compared to Virginia Tech alumni’s $106,000. Ultimately, both universities have successful graduates who have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, and students should consider their personal career goals and interests when deciding between the two institutions.
