University of California-Merced
University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA ranked #176 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 8,372 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 39.2%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.1% first-year retention, and 69.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $12,744, about $4,254 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -4.9%, roughly 90.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $48,475. That's about $4,787 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of California-Merced Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Merced graduates 69.2% of students within six years and keeps 83.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Merced's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,167 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,214 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,293 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,011 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,098 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 59.0% of University of California-Merced students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $8,572 to $30,561 depending on family income. Use University of California-Merced's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,323/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,561/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $48,475
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,475
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.6%
- Employment Rate 91.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Merced graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of California-Merced vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Merced's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Merced's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of California-Merced graduates earn $48,475 median, the -4.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 8,372
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.1%
- Graduation Rate 69.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into University of California-Merced
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Merced requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 39.2%, University of California-Merced is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Merced accepts 39.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Merced undergraduates. Biology, General, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Biology, General 18.5%
- Psychology, General 15.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.5%
- Mechanical Engineering 9.4%
- Computer Engineering 8.6%
- Public Health 7.9%
See more majors
- Sociology 5.0%
- Political Science and Government 4.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $102,036
- 2. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $89,244
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $85,156
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $83,194
- 5. Applied Mathematics $79,461
- 6. Economics $71,331
- 7. Biology, General $67,342
- 8. Chemistry $64,086
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,387
- 10. Political Science and Government $59,111
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $102,036—73% more than Political Science and Government ($59,111). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of California-Merced. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 287 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 241 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 178 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 146 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Cognitive Science
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Online Master's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Physics
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Applied Mathematics
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Physical Sciences, Other
- History
- Behavioral Sciences
- Cognitive Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Mechanical Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- History
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Behavioral Sciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,372
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.5%
- Female Students 47.5%
- Caucasian 8.9%
- Asian 22.4%
- Hispanic 57.7%
- Black 4.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 59.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Merced's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Merced's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Merced support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Merced, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Merced has a diverse student body, with 8.9% identifying as White. 59.0% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Merced support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Merced, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Merced serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #176 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,744 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $48,475 median earnings. The 69.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 83.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of California-Merced's Strengths
Ranked #176 with a A- grade, University of California-Merced prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of California-Merced excel at providing affordable education ($12,744 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of California-Merced's 83.1% retention and 69.2% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($48,475 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of California-Merced and $12,744 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 69.2% six-year graduation rate sits 6.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.1% first-year retention is 6.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -4.9% return on investment is 90.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $48,475 run about 11% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,744 is roughly $7,155 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.0% employment rate within three years sits 22.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Merced, a public university in Merced, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It holds a #176 national ranking Completion earns B+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
83.1% of learners come back after year one while 69.2% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -4.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,744 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,098.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,354 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 59.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $48,475 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 11% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 91.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -4.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
39.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Merced admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Merced, CA 95343-5603
- Website ucmerced.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$26.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.7%