Occidental vs UC Davis
How Occidental and UC Davis stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Occidental | UC Davis | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 45% | 44% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1290-1470 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | CA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $80,362 | $38,218 |
| Average cost after aid | $48,400 | $16,500 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- UC Davis is harder to get into than Occidental (44% versus 45%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Davis is usually the cheaper option ($16,500 versus $48,400 per year on average).
- On testing, Occidental is test-optional while UC Davis is test-blind.
- UC Davis asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Occidental vs UC Davis FAQ
Is Occidental or UC Davis harder to get into?
UC Davis is harder to get into, admitting about 44% of applicants versus 45% at Occidental.
Is Occidental or UC Davis cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Davis is usually cheaper, about $16,500 per year on average versus $48,400 at Occidental.
See your real chances at Occidental and UC Davis.
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