The University of California, Davis, and two other campuses have been distinguished above all others in the nation for their diversity and internationalization, in rankings released today (May 20).

In the inaugural QS World University Rankings: USA, UC Davis ranked seventh overall among public universities and fourth among those in California. The campus tied for top spot with UCLA and the private New York University in the diversity and internationalization category.

“UC Davis works across borders and around the world to solve today’s most pressing challenges, and we offer experiences that prepare our students to lead as global citizens,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. 

Universities were ranked according to 17 metrics in four broad categories, which, in addition to diversity and internationalization, included the employability of graduates, the learning environment and the impact of research. The methodology also evaluated universities based on their efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

The diversity and internationalization category, which accounted for 25 percent of a university’s overall ranking, considered gender equality in pay at the university (2.5 percent), faculty gender diversity (2.5 percent), the ratio of undergraduates who receive Pell grants (5 percent), the ethnic diversity of the student body (5 percent), the number of Fulbright recipients (5 percent) and the proportion of international students (5 percent).

Global Education for All

UC Davis’ global outlook is exemplified by its Global Education for All initiative. The university is implementing an ambitious plan to provide all students with international or intercultural experiences that help them build global awareness, explore global diversity, and pursue global action — whether on campus, in the region or across all seven continents.

Even during the stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions of the pandemic, the university is providing students with remote opportunities to help them stay globally engaged. Its Global Learning Hub highlights internships, service learning and training.

The campus’s global engagement and its valuing of diversity, equity and inclusion meet in support for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Through membership in U.N. Academic Impact, University Global Coalition, and the U.S. Chapter of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the campus is fostering action to address all 17 of the goals — from ending hunger to achieving gender equality.

Inclusiveness a hallmark

Inclusiveness is one of the hallmarks of Global Education for All. For example, campus initiatives support faculty in integrating global learning into courses and reduce barriers for student participation in global learning through offerings that are held between academic quarters, are shorter in duration, or provide intercultural and global experiences locally.

In fall 2019 the campus launched a program that brings diverse domestic and international students together for intercultural experiences in a residence hall community. The Global Engagement Opportunity living-learning community includes academic seminars, mentorship and programming with a global focus.

Related distinctions

UC Davis consistently ranks as one of the top producers of Peace Corps volunteers and of winners of the Benjamin A. Gillman International Scholarship, which helps Pell Grant recipients participate in global learning opportunities.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators, recently named UC Davis a recipient of the 2020 Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization for excellence in integrating international education throughout all facets of its campus.

About the rankings

QS, or Quacquarelli Symonds, is considered one of the most influential international university rankings providers. In QS subject rankings released in March, UC Davis topped the world in veterinary science and was second in the world in agriculture and forestry.