University of California-Merced
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $64,368 within 10 years; 59% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
University of California-Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California with approximately 8,372 undergraduate students enrolled. University of California-Merced has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,983 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $64,368 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of California, Merced is a public land-grant research university in Merced County, California, United States. Established in 2005, UC Merced is the tenth and newest campus in the University of California (UC) system. The main campus is around 810 acres in size and located around 5 miles (8.0 km) north of the city of Merced and sits adjacent to Lake Yosemite. The campus is adjacent to large swaths of protected natural grasslands and vernal pools, which have shaped its development, capital planning, and research.
The newest UC campus is a strong fit for first-generation college students, budget-conscious families, and students who want genuine UC-system credentials without the hyper-competitive admissions pressure of UCLA or Berkeley. At an average net price of just $11,983 per year and a median debt at graduation of only $16,144, this is one of the most financially accessible paths into the UC system — a real advantage worth taking seriously. The 69% graduation rate is worth flagging, though; it's lower than you'd hope, and it signals that some students struggle to finish, so any student considering UC Merced should honestly assess whether they have the academic preparation and personal support to see it through. The campus itself is young and still building out its culture and alumni network, which matters if your student is counting on strong career connections out the gate. That said, median earnings of $64,368 ten years out are solid, and for a family prioritizing low debt and a legitimate UC degree, this school deserves a serious look — especially for students interested in STEM, environmental science, or research opportunities that a small campus can actually provide access to.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 17% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,372 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
University of California-Merced
5200 North Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343-5603
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
See How Colleges Compare
University of California-Merced is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 91%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Is University of California-Merced hard to get into?
Not especially. University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 91%, so admissions are relatively accessible for applicants who meet the requirements.
How much does University of California-Merced cost?
The average net price at University of California-Merced is about $11,983 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced has a graduation rate of 69%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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