A university with a transformative vision

UC Davis is one of the nation's top public-research universities and a pioneer in interdisciplinary problem solving. Its four colleges, five professional schools, more than 100 academic majors and 90 graduate programs in Northern California provide a comprehensive, rigorous and research-based learning environment for 35,000 students, faculty and researchers.

One of 10 campuses in the University of California system, UC Davis ranks 6th among U.S. universities based on contributions to society (Washington Monthly), 10th in research funding among public universities (National Science Foundation) and 7th among public universities and 27th among public and private universities (The Best Colleges' Top 50 Colleges and Universities in America for 2013). The main campus is located in Davis on the largest University of California campus, while the health system is located on the Sacramento campus, a few blocks from the state capitol.

A health system dedicated to improving lives

UC Davis Health, one of five health systems within the University of California, is an integrated, academic health system consisting of the UC Davis School of Medicine, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, the 619-bed, multispecialty, acute-care hospital and clinical services of UC Davis Medical Center and the UC Davis Medical Group. The health system also includes the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Davis Children’s Hospital and a Level I trauma center.

The health system is a major driver of economic prosperity in the Sacramento region and Northern California, generating more than $3.4 billion in annual economic output and more than 20,000 jobs. The health system is a hub of innovation that is improving lives and transforming health care by providing excellent patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, fostering innovative, interprofessional education, and creating dynamic, productive partnerships with the community.

Distinguishing features of UC Davis Health include:

A vibrant capital region

Located where the Sacramento River and the American River flow together in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley, Sacramento serves up a diverse menu of history, people, outdoor activities and cultures. As the state’s capital city, Sacramento is home to more than a half million people, represents a rapidly expanding and diverse patient population and offers a more affordable cost of living when compared to California's other heavily populated regions.

  • A rich history. One of the most historic cities in California, Sacramento is home to many landmarks, parks and amenities. This region, where gold was found and sparked the California Gold Rush, continues to be a seat of progress, activity and innovation. From the Old Sacramento riverfront and the California State Capitol to concerts in the park and downtown farmer's markets, Sacramento is alive 365 days a year.
  • Sports and recreation. Sports fans in Sacramento can cheer on their favorite local team, whether it's at the arena, diamond or field. Enjoy NBA basketball at Sacramento Kings games, home-run excitement with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats and fast feet on the field with men's professional soccer team Sacramento Republic FC.
  • Cultural connections. Sacramento is America's Farm-to-Fork Capital where award-winning chefs complement a diverse range of high-quality farms, ranches and vineyards in the region. Wineries and restaurants are augmented by professional ballet, opera, art galleries and museums, like the Crocker Art Museum. The Mondavi Arts Center at UC Davis provides two performance venues for local, national and international performances.
  • Outdoor living. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with average daily temperatures ranging from 48 degrees to 75 degrees. From year-round activities like horseback riding, golf and tennis to water sports like boating, fishing or rafting, Sacramento offers a plethora of options. Cycle or stroll the 30-mile riverfront American River Bike Trail, dine on the Delta King riverboat or ride on a California State Railroad Museum steam-powered train excursion; the choice is yours.