For the third year in a row, UC Davis has received a record number of undergraduate applications for fall 2026. The university reported 122,271 applications, marking a 1.8% increase over last year’s previous high of 120,131. This includes a record number of California residents applying.
The preliminary statistics were released by the UC Office of the President on February 24. Of the total applicants, 104,850 sought first-year admission—an increase of 1.8% from last year’s figure of 102,958. Transfer applications also rose to 17,421, up by 1.4%.
Robert Penman, executive director of Undergraduate Admissions at UC Davis, said: “The campus aims to enroll an entering class of about 9,100 new first-year and transfer students.”
Among first-year applicants from California, there was a record high with 70,354 submissions—a rise of 2% compared to last year. Overall California resident applicants (first-year and transfer) reached 85,530 or a growth of 2.3%. These residents made up about two-thirds (67.1%) of all first-year applicants and over four-fifths (87.1%) among transfers.
Demographic data showed that among California first-year applicants: “38% were from low-income families, and 36% would be in the first generation of their family to graduate from a four-year college.” For U.S. domestic transfer applicants coming from California Community Colleges: “54% were from low-income families, and 46% would be in the first generation of their family to graduate from a four-year college.”
Applications from other U.S. states increased by nearly two percent compared to last year while international applications slightly decreased by one-tenth percent.
UC Davis is now evaluating these applications and expects to notify prospective students about admissions decisions for first-years in early March and for transfers later that month. Admitted students are invited to attend Aggie Day on April 11; those offered admission as first-years have until May 1 to accept their offer while transfers have until June 1.
Applicants are encouraged to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application by March 2.
UC Davis serves both state and global communities through research and education addressing societal needs such as climate change and food security according to its official website. The university also features specialized facilities like the Bodega Marine Laboratory for coastal research (source). It holds top national rankings in fields including agriculture and veterinary medicine (source). Originally established as an extension focused on agriculture for UC Berkeley (source), UC Davis continues its commitment through public service initiatives (source). Gary May currently serves as chancellor (source).
