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AdmissionsOS

California State University-Long Beach vs University of California-Davis

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-Long Beach University of California-Davis
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 46% 42%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $10,440 $14,741
Sticker cost of attendance $22,679 $41,238
Graduation rate 69% 86%
Retention rate 87% 93%
Undergraduates 35,924 32,253
Student-faculty ratio 23:1 22:1
Setting Long Beach, CA Davis, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $80
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-Long Beach or University of California-Davis harder to get into?

University of California-Davis is more selective, with a 42% acceptance rate versus 46% at California State University-Long Beach. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Long Beach or University of California-Davis?

California State University-Long Beach has the lower average net price ($10,440 versus $14,741). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.