HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

University of California, Davis vs Iowa State University

University of California, Davis Logo
University of California, Davis

Davis, United States

QS World: #13738% Admit
Iowa State University Logo
Iowa State University

Ames, United States

QS World: #540
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between University of California, Davis and Iowa State University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

University of California, Davis boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Iowa State University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose University of California, Davis for classical academic standing, and Iowa State University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of California, DavisIowa State University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#137 (2027)+403 places
#540 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#65 (2027)+336 places
#401 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#101 (2026)+300 places
#401 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#95 (2027)+305 places
#400 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
38%
Est. Open/Tier
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$53,022
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1905
1858Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
40,570
36,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
88 / 100Lead
80 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

California, Davis: 4 leads·Iowa State University: 0 leads

California, Davis · Specialist Subject Standings

Development Studies#34
Biological Sciences#38
Life Sciences & Medicine#41

Iowa State University · Specialist Subject Standings

Linguistics#101
Statistics and Operational Research#101
Education and Training#151
Discipline Focus: Environmental Sciences
Clear Filter ×

California, Davis Programs

Refer to the official California, Davis course catalog for current intake fees.

Iowa State University Programs

Refer to the official Iowa State University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Davis vs Ames alongside annual international tuition.

High Cost Index

California, Davis (Davis)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$53,022/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$82,062/yr
High Cost Index

Iowa State University (Ames)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$29,040/yr
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