Public Institution

Merced College — Merced, California

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Annual Tuition $1,194

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 9,677

Active Students

Avg. Salary $37,815

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Merced, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Founded 5/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Merced College stands as a pillar of higher education in Merced, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,677 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Merced College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Merced College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities

25.9%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

12.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

11.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

10.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

10.3%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production

5.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Merced College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at Merced College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Merced College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Merced College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.2%

Women Enrollment 58.8%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Merced College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Merced College.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Merced College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,194

Out-of-State Tuition $8,154

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 33.4%

Median Student Debt $N/A

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,194, graduates see a median starting salary of $37,815, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Merced College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $37,815

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $4,260

Median Salary (6yr) $31,468

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Merced College in Merced?

9,677 Students

Gender Comparison

41.2% Men

58.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.3%

Asian

7.1%

Black

3.9%

White

16.9%

Unknown

1.2%

Hispanic

66.2%

Two or More Races

3.5%

International

0.5%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 59.4%

🎖️

Veterans 0.4%

💍

Married Students 7.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$47,624
Average Family Income	$21,739
Median Family Income	$18,008

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.8%

53.2%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Merced Campus Environment

Located at 3600 M St, Merced College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Merced College compare?

Direct Comparison Merced College vs Sierra College of Beauty →

Direct Comparison Merced College vs University of California-Merced →

Direct Comparison Merced College vs Milan Institute-Merced →

Common Questions about Merced College

Is Merced College a good college in Merced, California?

Merced College is a recognized institution in Merced with an enrollment of 9,677 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is Merced College worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $37,815 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Merced College cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Merced College is approximately $1,194. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $8,154. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Merced College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Merced College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately a significant percentage% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Merced College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?

Merced College reports program activity in Humanities and Health Professions. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Merced College?

Graduates of Merced College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $37,815, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Merced College?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Merced College's official admissions website.

Does Merced College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Merced College's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Merced College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Merced College earn a median salary of $37,815 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Merced College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare Merced College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is Merced College located and what is the campus like?

Merced College is located at 3600 M St in Merced, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,677 learners.

Who typically attends Merced College in Merced, CA?

The student body at Merced College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 59.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Merced College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration