Hawaii (Shidler) vs UC Davis
Which MBA program is right for you?
Hawaii (Shidler)
UC Davis
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Hawaii (Shidler) | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #137 | #36 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 38% |
| Avg. GMAT | 539 | 685 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 35 | 80 |
| Avg. Salary | $80,000 | $135,000 |
| Employment Rate | 78% | 89% |
| Annual Tuition | $21,000 | $44,458 |
The Verdict
Choose Hawaii (Shidler) if…
you want Asia-Pacific business focus in Honolulu with island lifestyle and Pacific Rim access.
Full Hawaii (Shidler) Profile →Choose UC Davis if…
you want a higher-ranked program (#60 vs #137) in Northern California wine country with tech and agriculture business access.
Full UC Davis Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Pacific-region public MBA programs with distinctive locations. UC Davis (#60) in Davis, CA has strong tech connections to Sacramento and the Bay Area, plus agricultural business expertise. Hawaii Shidler (#137) in Honolulu is the only AACSB MBA in Hawaii with Asia-Pacific business focus. The ranking gap (77 positions) is substantial.
The Honest Take
UC Davis is the stronger MBA with better career outcomes, Bay Area proximity, and a UC system brand. Hawaii Shidler wins for Asia-Pacific business specifically and students committed to Hawaii careers. Davis's tech and agricultural business placement is strong. Hawaii's cost of living is much higher than Davis's. For career ROI, UC Davis wins. For Pacific Rim access and lifestyle, Shidler has a unique value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
UC Davis (#60) significantly outranks Hawaii Shidler (#137).
Which has Asia-Pacific focus?
Hawaii Shidler, as the only AACSB MBA in Hawaii with an Asia-Pacific business curriculum.
Which has better tech access?
UC Davis, with proximity to Sacramento tech companies and the Bay Area.