Bachelor of Science [BS] (Community and Regional Development)
Field of Study:
$39,270 /Yr
University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science Community and Regional Development is a four-year undergraduate degree designed for students seeking careers in community development, regional planning, and social equity. Delivered full-time on-campus in Davis, California, the program requires completion of 180 units including a mandatory capstone internship. International students with a 3.4+ GPA, TOEFL 80 (iBT) or IELTS 6.5, and strong academics in secondary school may apply. Annual cost is approximately USD 70,000 (INR 66.70 Lakhs). Fall intake only; application deadline November 30, 2026.
The programme trains graduates to diagnose community challenges, design policy interventions, and lead regional initiatives across non-profit, government, and private sectors. It stands apart through its hands-on internship requirement and emphasis on social equity — not just economic development. The ideal applicant is civically engaged, comfortable with qualitative research, and passionate about bridging divides across geography, income, and identity.
- Internship embedded in curriculum; real-world problem-solving from year one.
- Specializations in policy/planning, management, social services, and community organizing.
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences college; environmental justice thread throughout.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 30 November 2026.
Indian applicants should initiate TOEFL/IELTS prep by August 2026 and order official transcripts from secondary school (3-4 week lead time via mail or WES).
Also Check: University of California Davis Admission
University of California Davis Community and Regional Development Fees and Living Costs 2026
Below is the complete cost breakdown for international students pursuing the BSc in Community and Regional Development at UC Davis for the 2026-2027 academic year.
| Cost Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per year) | 46,024 | 43.82 Lakhs |
| Campus Fees | 1,500 | 1.43 Lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | 1,000 | 95,200 |
| Health Insurance | 3,500 | 3.33 Lakhs |
| Room and Board | 18,000 | 17.14 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | 70,024 | 66.70 Lakhs |
| 4-Year Programme Total | 280,096 | 2.67 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Health insurance is compulsory for all international students; domestic plans are not accepted.
- Books and supplies fluctuate; engineering and sciences typically cost more than policy/social science programs.
- Room and board assumes on-campus housing; off-campus rent in Davis ranges from INR 12-15 Lakhs yearly.
- Internship placements are unpaid; students cover living costs during capstone (typically spring of final year).
Cost of Living in Davis for Community and Regional Development Students
Davis is a college town with moderate living costs outside tuition.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment off-campus) | 800–1,200 | 76,168–1.14 Lakhs |
| Utilities and Internet | 100–150 | 9,521–14,282 |
| Groceries and Meals | 300–400 | 28,563–38,084 |
| Transport (bus pass/bike) | 50–100 | 4,760–9,521 |
| Personal and Misc. | 150–250 | 14,282–23,803 |
| Monthly Total | 1,400–2,100 | 1.33–2.00 Lakhs |
Honest Take: Community and Regional Development students benefit from Davis’s walkability and small size; transport costs are genuinely low, but internships may be unpaid and require unpaid leave from part-time work.
University of California Davis Community and Regional Development Admission
UC Davis Community and Regional Development admits students for Fall intake only. International applicants follow the same track as domestic students but with additional English language requirements.
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Intake | Fall only (September 2027) |
| Secondary School Completion | Certificate or equivalent granting university admission in home country |
| High School GPA (recommended) | 3.4 or higher for out-of-state/international |
| Academic Track | No specific STEM subjects required; strong grades in social sciences preferred |
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized testing. UC Davis accepts TOEFL and IELTS only.
| Test | Minimum Overall | Component Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (internet-based) | 80 | Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 18 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | No band below 6.0 in any component |
- TOEFL 80 is achievable within 8–12 weeks of focused prep for strong English speakers.
- IELTS 6.5 is the international standard; some test takers find the speaking section more forgiving than TOEFL.
- Indian applicants with English-medium schooling and 2–3 years of English coursework may qualify for a waiver; check UC Davis policy annually.
UC Davis is ranked 13th globally for agriculture and environmental sciences by QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting the institution’s standing across applied sustainability and community-focused disciplines.
Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL prep should run parallel to transcript submission; WES evaluation takes 3–4 weeks from India.
University of California Davis Community and Regional Development Application
UC Davis uses the UC Application portal. All deadlines are firm; no extensions are granted for late submissions.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 30 November 2026 | Open |
| Fall 2028 (expected) | 30 November 2027 | Expected |
- Submit secondary school transcripts via WES (official evaluation required) by November 15.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores must be submitted to UC Davis institution code 4833 by the deadline.
- Community and Regional Development does not require supplemental essays or portfolio.
Application Tip: UC Davis receives 80,000+ applications; apply by mid-November to avoid portal congestion in final two weeks.
University of California Davis Community and Regional Development Scholarships
UC Davis awards limited scholarships to international undergraduates. Need-based aid is unavailable to international students; merit-based awards are rare and highly competitive.
| Scholarship Type | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Davis International Excellence Award (merit) | 2,000–8,000 | 1.90–7.62 Lakhs | Per year (if eligible) |
| College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Scholarship | 1,000–5,000 | 95,200–4.76 Lakhs | Per year (limited) |
Scholarships are awarded to fewer than 5% of international applicants and require a minimum 3.8 GPA and demonstrated financial need. The cost of USD 70,024 per year remains the responsibility of the student; scholarships offset only a small portion.
- No scholarships are awarded post-admission; all merit aid is granted at the time of acceptance.
- Many Indian students finance via loans (educational loans from Indian banks offer 7–9% rates) or family savings.
Scholarship Reality: Plan to fund the full USD 70,024 annually; scholarships are a bonus, not an expectation.
University of California Davis Community and Regional Development Salary
Graduates work in non-profit leadership, city/county planning, policy advocacy, international development, and social enterprise. Median starting salary is approximately USD 42,000 (INR 40.00 Lakhs) for entry-level roles within 6 months of graduation.
| Career Path | Entry Salary (USD) | Entry Salary (INR) | 5-Year Salary (USD) | 5-Year Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-profit Program Manager | 38,000 | 36.19 Lakhs | 52,000 | 49.51 Lakhs |
| City/Regional Planner (government) | 45,000 | 42.84 Lakhs | 58,000 | 55.22 Lakhs |
| Policy Analyst | 42,000 | 40.00 Lakhs | 55,000 | 52.37 Lakhs |
| International Development Officer | 40,000 | 38.09 Lakhs | 56,000 | 53.32 Lakhs |
Source: UC Davis Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2025
Take-home salary varies by state tax (California 9.3% income tax) and employer type. Government roles offer pension benefits; non-profit roles often include student loan forgiveness after 10 years (Public Service Loan Forgiveness program). Use the IRS Tax Estimator tool to calculate post-tax income for your expected salary range.
ROI Reality: Four-year cost is INR 2.67 Crore; median 5-year gross is INR 2.61–2.76 Crore, excluding taxes and loan repayment.
United States Visa Community and Regional Development
Graduates may work in the United States under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for up to 36 months if the degree qualifies as STEM. Community and Regional Development qualifies for extended STEM OPT, permitting three years of full-time authorized work.
- OPT is available immediately after graduation and does not require sponsorship from an employer.
- After OPT expires, graduates may pursue an H-1B work visa (requires employer sponsorship; annual lottery). Skilled-worker pathways are competitive.
- Green card (permanent residency) timelines vary by country and sector; Indian citizens typically wait 8–15 years in the employment-based category.
- Spouses and dependent children may apply for dependent visas (F-2) during student status; work eligibility is limited to OPT spillover in limited cases.
Read More: United States Student Visa and Post-Study Work Rights
Visa Reality: STEM OPT grants three years of work authorization; beyond that, visa sponsorship becomes employer-dependent and uncertain.
Community and Regional Development at UC Davis prepares graduates to lead equity-focused development work across sectors. The programme’s embedded internship and emphasis on social impact make it distinctive. If you are committed to careers in community development, non-profit management, or regional policy—and can self-fund approximately INR 2.67 Crore over four years—UC Davis offers a rigorous, practice-oriented pathway with strong alumni networks in the development sector.
Community and Regional Development FAQs
Ques. What is the acceptance rate for Indian students applying to UC Davis Community and Regional Development?
Ans. UC Davis reports an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of 35–40% internationally. Acceptance rates for this specific major are not published separately. Indian applicants are competitive if they meet the 3.4+ GPA, TOEFL 80, and secondary school transcript requirements; the programme prioritizes academic record and personal fit over test scores.
Ques. Can I work part-time during my studies at UC Davis?
Ans. International students on F-1 visas may work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during official breaks (winter and summer). On-campus jobs (library, dining, administrative) are preferred. Off-campus employment requires prior USCIS approval and is limited to severe economic hardship cases; it is not an option for most international students funding their own education.
Ques. Is the internship in Community and Regional Development paid or unpaid?
Ans. The capstone internship is typically unpaid. Students complete it in their final year (spring semester or summer). Many non-profit and government placements are unpaid; policy think-tanks sometimes offer USD 3,000–5,000 semester stipends. Budget additional savings if you anticipate an unpaid internship lasting 10–15 weeks.
Ques. After graduation, which countries hire UC Davis Community and Regional Development graduates?
Ans. Graduates work in the United States (via OPT and H-1B), Canada, UK, Australia, and international development organizations. Many return to India with advanced credentials to lead NGO or government roles. UC Davis alumni are present in major cities (Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai) in development, policy, and social enterprise sectors. Network-building during your degree is critical for post-graduation placement.
Ques. Does UC Davis Community and Regional Development require a GRE for graduate school applications?
Ans. This question applies to graduate programmes (Master’s), not the BSc. However, if you plan to pursue a Master’s in public policy, planning, or development economics after the BSc, a strong UC Davis GPA (3.5+) and relevant internship experience are more valuable than GRE scores for US programmes; many US schools have waived GRE requirements as of 2025.
Important Alert
- Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake - Aug 1, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $39270 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $3996 |
| Books and supply | $1205 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $48636 |
| 2023 | $48636 |
| 2022 | $41196 |
| 2021 | $41196 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake | Aug 1, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026 |
| Final Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
SAT/ACT scores are made optional until fall 2024.
Required Document List
- Apply via University of California application system (single application)
- Self-reported academic records (Grades 9–12)
- Official transcripts (submitted after admission)
- Class 12 completion certificate / proof of graduation
- 4 Personal Insight Questions (essays)
- Application fee (~$95 per campus)
- English proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo) – if required
- SAT/ACT scores (not required)
- Letters of recommendation (generally not required)
- Financial documents (required after admission for visa)
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| UndocuScholar Award | 1000 | GPA Of 2.5 |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Final Application and scholarships Consideration for 2027 Intake (1st Dec 2026) | USD 39,270 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 65,870 /Yr |
| ||
Early Action Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) Regular Decision Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | USD 30,900 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 34,200 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 12,208 /Yr |
|
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