Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
University of California-Merced logo

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA·Public·8,372 students
Last updated: April 1, 2026

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.

91%
Accept
8,372
Students
$11,983
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$64,368
Earnings
10 yr
$16,144
Debt

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.

Setting
Midsize suburb
Avg Faculty Salary
$14,834

Popular Programs

Engineering24%
Psychology20%
Biological Sciences18%
Business & Marketing11%
Social Sciences10%
Health Professions6%
Visual & Performing Arts1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,623
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,823
Avg Net Price
$11,983
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$7,945
$30–48k$8,465
$48–75k$11,557
$75–110k$14,828
$110k+$28,734

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants59%
Median debt at graduation$16,144

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
82%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$64,368
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,144
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$46,300
Female graduates$38,600

Gap: 17% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,144
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$42,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$64,368
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.0x

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

White9%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino55%
Asian24%
Two or more races5%

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

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

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

Data

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.

Important Caveats
  • 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.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.