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Head-to-head · 31 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 55% chose UCD. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 31 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

31
cross-admits
2
cycles
+10pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 31 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
University of California—Davis logo Chose UCD
55%
Chose CUBoulder University of Colorado—Boulder logo
45%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$25,000
99.0% get a grant
$32,460 net tuition
$15,000
87.0% get a grant
$20,992 net tuition

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$105,000
n = 16
$53,259
n = 14
View all-time (53 cross-admits)
59% chose UCD 41% chose CUBoulder

Trend · UCD's share

2020–2025

Lowest cycle

63%

Highest cycle

73%
2 cycles
100 50 0 20 25 2020: 63% 2025: 73%
UCD #34 · CUBoulder #55 LSD n≈9/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of California—Davis logo
UCD
Davis, California
University of Colorado—Boulder logo
CUBoulder
Boulder, Colorado
USN Rank
#52
#54
LSD Rank
#34 (0.012)
Top 75 (0.006)
LSAT 25th
160
161
LSAT Median
165
164
LSAT 75th
167
167
GPA Median
3.70
3.81
Acceptance Rate
16.0%
27.6%
Class Size
209
199
Yield Rate
33.0%
20.3%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of California—Davis logo
UCD
Davis, California
University of Colorado—Boulder logo
CUBoulder
Boulder, Colorado
Tuition (In-State)
$57,460
$35,992
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$69,705
$44,002
Median Grant
$25,000
$15,000
% Receiving Grants
99.0%
87.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
University of California—Davis logo
UCD
Davis, California
University of Colorado—Boulder logo
CUBoulder
Boulder, Colorado
BigLaw (501+)
22.1%
14.0%
Federal Clerkships
1.5%
0.6%
State & Local Clerkships
5.4%
13.4%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
95.6%
98.1%
Bar Pass Rate
88.9%
90.4%

Overview

About UCD vs CUBoulder

Across 31 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 55% enrolled at University of California—Davis and 45% at University of Colorado—Boulder. The split has shifted +10 points across the tracked cycles.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between UCD and CUBoulder? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares University of California—Davis and University of Colorado—Boulder across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 31 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 31 applicants admitted to both schools, 55% chose to attend University of California—Davis. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

Both schools are closely ranked in U.S. News: #52 and #54, separated by just 2 positions, making cross-admit data especially useful for deciding between them.

University of California—Davis is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to University of Colorado—Boulder's 27.6%.

University of California—Davis is located in Davis, California, while University of Colorado—Boulder is in Boulder, Colorado. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, University of Colorado—Boulder has lower tuition at $35,992 per year compared to $57,460. Combined with employment rates of 95.6% (UCD) and 98.1% (CUBoulder), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing University of California—Davis reported a higher median scholarship — $105,000 versus $53,259 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.