What Verdica's 837 score means for University of California-Davis
A composite score of 837 out of 850 places University of California-Davis in the "excellent" range (800–850 band). This score reflects strong performance across all three regulatory dimensions that Verdica tracks: accreditation status, student outcomes data, and Title IV compliance history.
For a reader evaluating whether to enroll, refer students, or partner with this institution, an 837 score signals low regulatory risk and consistent alignment with federal and state education standards. The institution has demonstrated sustained compliance with accreditation requirements and federal financial aid rules. However, a score of 837 rather than 850 indicates there are minor gaps or areas where performance falls slightly short of perfect—which is typical even for well-performing institutions.
The score is based on publicly available regulator data, not subjective rankings or reputation metrics. It reflects what state and federal oversight bodies have documented about the institution's operations and outcomes, not marketing claims or student satisfaction surveys.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845/850
This sub-score reflects the institution's formal accreditation status and compliance with regional and programmatic accreditation standards. A score of 845 indicates the institution holds valid accreditation and has met renewal or review requirements set by its accrediting body. Education providers lose accreditation points for sanctions, probation, or show-cause directives from accreditors. UC Davis's near-perfect accreditation score suggests no active sanctions or warnings on file.
Student Outcomes: 830/850
This sub-score is derived from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) metrics, primarily graduation rates, retention rates, and employment outcomes for credential holders. A score of 830 indicates solid performance in these measures, though not the highest possible rating. Institutions with low student outcomes scores typically show patterns of high dropout rates, poor program completion, or employment data that falls below state or peer benchmarks. UC Davis's score of 830 suggests the institution graduates students at acceptable rates and tracks outcomes data consistently.
Compliance: 835/850
This sub-score aggregates Title IV compliance history—the institution's record of managing federal student aid funds, maintaining proper financial reporting, and adhering to federal student loan and grant regulations. A score of 835 indicates no recent material violations, audit findings, or loss of Title IV eligibility. Institutions with low compliance scores typically have unresolved audit issues, improper aid disbursements, or failure to meet verification and documentation standards. UC Davis's score reflects a clean Title IV record.
What regulators in CA track for education providers
California and federal regulators monitor education providers through three primary mechanisms:
Accreditation: Regional accreditors (like WASC Senior College and University Commission) and programmatic accreditors review institutional mission, governance, financial stability, educational quality, and student support services. Violations result in warnings, probation, or loss of accreditation.
Title IV Compliance: The U.S. Department of Education audits institutions receiving federal student aid for proper fund management, enrollment verification, financial aid counseling, and loan servicing. Violations can trigger fines, mandatory repayment, restricted aid eligibility, or loss of federal participation.
IPEDS Data: Institutions report standardized graduation rates, retention rates, enrollment demographics, and cost data to the National Center for Education Statistics. Poor outcomes trigger regulatory review and institutional improvement requirements.
Scores move downward when accreditors issue sanctions, when Title IV audits find material violations or improper aid disbursement, or when IPEDS metrics fall below state or regional benchmarks for extended periods.
Bottom line
University of California-Davis's 837 score positions it as an excellent-tier education provider with low regulatory risk and consistent federal compliance. Before enrolling or making partnership decisions, verify current accreditation status on the accreditor's website and cross-check published graduation and employment outcomes against your specific program of interest.