College Costs in Davis, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Davis, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,495
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,529
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,623
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Davis Overview
Population
66,850
Student Population
17,517 (26.2%)
Cost of Living Index
118 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Davis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,616
Total After Financial Aid
$115,616
Annual Cost
$28,904
Annual After Aid
$28,904
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,616 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,313 |
| Total Interest | $41,920 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,536 |
Universities in Davis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UC Davis | Public | $14,495 |
| Sacramento City College Davis | Community | $1,540 |
Davis has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Davis vs. National Average
| Category | Davis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,495 | $10,940 | +$3,555 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,623 | $1,050 | +$573 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118 | 100 | +18 |
Davis's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Davis
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
17,517 students
Davis has a total population of 66,850, with approximately 17,517 college students (26.2% of the population). As a major college town, Davis offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Davis
$50,063
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Davis earn a median starting salary of $50,063, which is $15,063 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,616 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,628 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
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69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
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68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
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95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
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20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
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