$44,458
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“The MBA for food, agriculture, and clean tech. A niche play, but if it's your niche, nowhere else comes close.”
Program Overview
UC Davis is the only top-40 MBA program with genuine depth in food, agriculture, and clean technology. Davis, California, sits in the Sacramento Valley, the heart of California's agricultural industry, and the university's agricultural science programs are world-class. The MBA program channels that expertise into courses on agribusiness, food supply chain, wine industry management, and sustainability.
The 80-person class is tiny, which creates an intimate community but limits on-campus recruiting volume. Sacramento's growing tech scene and proximity to the Bay Area (90 minutes) provide additional career options beyond the school's niche strengths.
Culture & Community
Davis is a bike-friendly college town with a laid-back California vibe. The 80-person class is close-knit by necessity, and students describe the culture as supportive and down-to-earth. Sustainability isn't a buzzword here; it's a genuine shared value. The wine country location (Napa and Sonoma are nearby) adds a distinctive social dimension to the MBA experience.
Academics & Curriculum
UC Davis' food and agriculture management courses are the academic crown jewel. Wine industry management, agribusiness strategy, and clean technology courses draw on the university's agricultural science faculty. The school also has growing strength in general management and tech, benefiting from Sacramento's proximity to the Bay Area. The tiny class size means professors know every student individually.
Career Outcomes
UC Davis' employment report shows strong placement in food and agriculture (20%), tech (20%), consulting (18%), and sustainability-focused companies (15%). The school's niche focus means that for agriculture, food, and clean tech employers, Davis graduates are first-choice candidates. Median base salary is $135,000 with total first-year compensation around $157,000.
Who Should Apply
UC Davis is the obvious choice if food, agriculture, clean tech, or sustainability management is your career goal. The school owns this niche in a way that no other top-40 MBA program attempts to match. If you want a small California community with Bay Area access and a genuine commitment to sustainability, Davis delivers.
What to Watch Out For
Outside of its niche industries, UC Davis' MBA brand recognition is limited. The 80-person class produces a small alumni network. Davis is not a major metro, which means recruiting requires travel to Sacramento, the Bay Area, or beyond. If your career goals don't intersect with food, agriculture, or sustainability, a more generalist program may serve you better.
Known For
Best For
Aiming for a 685+ GMAT? Start your prep today.
Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at UC Davis MBA?
UC Davis MBA's acceptance rate is approximately 38% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 80 full-time MBA students from roughly 500 applications.
Is UC Davis the best MBA for food and agriculture?
UC Davis is widely considered the top MBA for food and agriculture management. The university's world-class agricultural science programs, Sacramento Valley location, and wine industry connections create a combination no other business school can match.
What is the average salary after UC Davis MBA?
UC Davis MBA graduates earn a median base salary of $135,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $157,000. Food/agriculture, tech, and consulting drive the strongest placement.
How far is UC Davis from the Bay Area?
Davis is about 90 minutes from San Francisco and the Bay Area tech hubs. Some students commute to Bay Area recruiting events and internships, though the drive can be demanding during peak traffic.
Compare UC Davis
UC Davis Deep Dives
See also: Overall Rankings · Highest Salaries · Is an MBA Worth It? · GMAT vs GRE Guide