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Head-to-head comparison

University of California-Davis vs University of California-Irvine: which has better ROI?

Public, Davis CA · vs · Public, Irvine CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Davis, CA

University of California-Davis

Net price / year
$14,741
Earnings, 10 years
$80,838
Payback
1.8 yrs

Option B Irvine, CA

University of California-Irvine

Net price / year
$14,251
Earnings, 10 years
$80,735
Payback
1.8 yrs
The verdict

University of California-Davis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,964 in 1.8 years versus 1.8 years at University of California-Irvine, on median earnings of $80,838 vs $80,735 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-DavisUniversity of California-Irvine
Net price / yr$14,741$14,251
Total net cost$58,964$57,004
Median earnings, 10 yrs$80,838$80,735
Median debt$13,000$15,000
Payback1.8 yrs1.8 yrs
20-year net return$590,596$590,496

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?

University of California-Irvine, at $14,251 a year after aid versus $14,741 — a gap of $490 a year, or $1,960 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine graduates earn more?

University of California-Davis graduates report a median $80,838 ten years after entry, $103 more than the $80,735 at University of California-Irvine. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?

University of California-Davis: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $15,000 at University of California-Irvine, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

87% of students finish at University of California-Irvine, against 86% at University of California-Davis. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of California-Davis vs University of California-Irvine: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine a better value?
University of California-Davis. It clears its $58,964 net cost in about 1.8 years versus 1.8 years at University of California-Irvine, on median earnings of $80,838 vs $80,735 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine: $14,251/yr net price after aid versus $14,741/yr at University of California-Davis — a difference of $490 a year, or about $1,960 over four years.
Do University of California-Davis or University of California-Irvine graduates earn more?
University of California-Davis graduates earn a median $80,838 ten years after entry, versus $80,735 at University of California-Irvine — a $103 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.