University of California-Merced
About University of California-Merced
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Merced is a public research university in Merced, California, the newest campus in the UC system. It offers programs in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences with a focus on sustainability and serving the San Joaquin Valley.
Founded
2005
Location
Merced, California
Students
9,110
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
68.7%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$15,623
Out-of-state: $49,823
Avg Net Price
$11,983
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$64,368
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
University of California-Merced accepts the majority of applicants at 90.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
68.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.1%
4-Year Grad
48%
6-Year Grad
72%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
93.3%
$/Student
$12.6K
Class Size
Large
While 48% finish in 4 years, 82.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,623
In-State
$49,823
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,445
Books & Supplies
$1,046
Total Cost of Attendance
$39,665
After Financial Aid
$11,983
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,945
Receive Grants
58.9%
Take Loans
28.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $39,665/yr for in-state students, including $21,445 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,983. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $49,823.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of California-Merced fund their education.
While in School
58.9%
Get Grants
Free money
28.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,931
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,144
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$171/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 28.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,144. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of California-Merced.
Gender
45.2%
Female
55%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,372
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
738
Graduates
57.4%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (45% women, 55% men). 57.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
8,372
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Merced fields 6 varsity teams with 234 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division II
Conference
California Pacific
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
234
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
132
Men
102
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of California-Mercedearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$64,368
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Research and Experimental Psychology
—
365 grads
Biology, General
$36K
308 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Engineering
$59K
217 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
—
187 grads
Mechanical Engineering
$67K
150 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$37K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn $64K ten years after starting, significantly above the $40K national median. A solid investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Merced
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?▾
How much does University of California-Merced cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Merced?▾
How much do University of California-Merced graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.