UC Davis vs UC Irvine Merage
Which MBA program is right for you?
UC Davis
UC Irvine Merage
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | UC Davis | UC Irvine Merage |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #36 | #52 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% | 32% |
| Avg. GMAT | 685 | 660 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.46 |
| Class Size | 80 | 55 |
| Avg. Salary | $135,000 | $125,000 |
| Employment Rate | 89% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $44,458 | $55,340 |
The Verdict
Choose UC Davis if…
you want Sacramento's growing economy, agricultural business strength, and a smaller UC MBA program.
Full UC Davis Profile →Choose UC Irvine Merage if…
you want Orange County's corporate market, a higher-ranked program, and stronger tech and finance placement.
Full UC Irvine Merage Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are UC system MBA programs with similar in-state tuition. Merage (#52) outranks UC Davis (#36) in this comparison (note: UC Davis's MBA is newer and growing). For California residents choosing between them, the decision centers on Northern California (Davis/Sacramento) versus Southern California (Irvine/Orange County) and the career markets each serves.
Career Markets
UC Davis feeds into Sacramento (state government, healthcare, agribusiness) and the Bay Area (tech, consulting). UC Irvine Merage serves Orange County's corporate ecosystem (tech companies, financial services, real estate) and greater LA. For tech careers, both have growing placement, but Merage's proximity to more corporate headquarters gives it a broader base.
The Honest Take
Merage's higher ranking and Orange County location provide more career options for most candidates. UC Davis is the better fit for Sacramento-area careers, agricultural business, or candidates who want a NorCal lifestyle with Bay Area access. For California residents, both offer excellent in-state value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ranks higher?
UC Davis (#36) actually outranks UC Irvine Merage (#52) in overall rankings. Both are strong UC programs. The ranking difference is less important than geographic preference and industry fit.
Which is better for tech?
Both have growing tech placement. UC Davis benefits from Sacramento's emerging tech scene and Bay Area proximity. Merage benefits from Orange County tech companies and LA's growing tech sector. Neither is a top tech MBA, but both produce strong outcomes.
Which is the better value?
Nearly identical for California residents (same UC tuition). Out-of-state tuition is also similar. Davis's cost of living is lower than Irvine's. For pure affordability, Davis has a slight edge.