Public Institution

University of California-Merced — Merced, California

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Annual Tuition $14,167

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 39.2%

Selective

Enrollment 8,372

Active Students

Avg. Salary $64,368

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Merced, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 9/26/2007

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of California-Merced stands as a pillar of higher education in Merced, providing a robust academic foundation for 8,372 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 University of California-Merced offer?

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

Engineering

24.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

18.7%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

17%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

12.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

10.1%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

5.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

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

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of California-Merced provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of California-Merced provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 39.2%

Difficulty Moderate

University of California-Merced maintains an acceptance rate of 39.2%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 52.5%

Women Enrollment 47.5%

Open Pathway Confirmed

University of California-Merced 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 University of California-Merced.

Official Admission Portal

How much does University of California-Merced cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,167

Out-of-State Tuition $44,944

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 59%

Median Student Debt $16,144

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,167, graduates see a median starting salary of $64,368, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can University of California-Merced graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $64,368

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 69.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,744

Median Salary (6yr) $48,475

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of California-Merced in Merced?

8,372 Students

Gender Comparison

52.5% Men

47.5% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

83.1%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.3%

Asian

22.4%

Black

4.9%

White

8.9%

Unknown

Hispanic

57.7%

Two or More Races

4.4%

International

0.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 19

🎓

First-Generation 57.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 83.1%

💍

Married Students 0.5%

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Retention (Part-time) 40.9%

Student Economic Background

Average Family Income	$43,308
Median Family Income	$33,931

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.7%

47.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Merced Campus Environment

Located at 5200 North Lake Road, University of California-Merced 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 University of California-Merced compare?

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Common Questions about University of California-Merced

Is University of California-Merced a good college in Merced, California?

University of California-Merced is a recognized institution in Merced with an enrollment of 8,372 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is University of California-Merced 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 $64,368 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of California-Merced cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of California-Merced is approximately $14,167. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $44,944. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of California-Merced after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of California-Merced for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 83.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of California-Merced good for Engineering and Psychology programs?

University of California-Merced reports program activity in Engineering and Psychology. 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 University of California-Merced?

Graduates of University of California-Merced often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Engineering. With a median salary of $64,368, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of California-Merced?

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 University of California-Merced's official admissions website.

Does University of California-Merced 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 University of California-Merced's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of California-Merced graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of California-Merced earn a median salary of $64,368 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of California-Merced a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

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

Where is University of California-Merced located and what is the campus like?

University of California-Merced is located at 5200 North Lake Road in Merced, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 8,372 learners.

Who typically attends University of California-Merced in Merced, CA?

The student body at University of California-Merced is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 57.4% 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 University of California-Merced 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