About Merced College
The financial picture makes sense for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,194, and the average net price after aid is $4,260. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,274 after financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $37,815 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. Only 0.54% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's affordability.
The student body is 66.19% Hispanic, making this one of California's most diverse community colleges. Women comprise 58.76% of enrollment, particularly strong in the health sciences programs. The Blue Devils field 14 varsity sports with 266 total athletes competing independently. Nearly all students are California residents at 92.47%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere despite the college's size.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,815
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $89,672 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,696 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,988 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $19,227 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,478 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from nearby towns since this is a two-year college without dormitories. The 66% Hispanic student population reflects the agricultural region's demographics. Expect hot, dry summers requiring sunscreen and mild winters with occasional fog rolling in from the coast. Students often work part-time jobs in agriculture, retail, or healthcare while attending classes. The Blue Devils compete in 14 varsity sports with 266 total athletes, providing some campus spirit despite the commuter nature.
Weekend activities center around Merced's downtown area or trips to Yosemite National Park, just an hour away. Many students transfer to UC Merced or CSU schools after completing their associate degrees. The 90.4% employment rate shows strong workforce preparation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–54°F
- July Avg
- 61°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 16.9%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 66.2%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.4%
Location
- Address
- Merced, California 95348-2806
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,815
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,981
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Merced College?
Merced College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 9,677 students who are looking for an affordable pathway to higher education or career training. Most students come from within California, with 92.47% being in-state residents.
How much does Merced College cost after financial aid?
Students at Merced College pay an average net price of $4,260 after aid, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in the Central Valley. In-state tuition runs just $1,194 annually before aid. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to only $3,274 per year.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Merced College?
Merced College operates with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than at four-year institutions. The college has built a strong reputation for transfer preparation and career training programs. Students can choose from various academic and vocational tracks designed to meet local workforce needs.
What are the job prospects for Merced College graduates?
Merced College graduates achieve a 90.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. Median earnings reach $37,815 ten years after enrollment, which is solid for a two-year degree in the Central Valley region. The college serves as a crucial stepping stone for students seeking both immediate employment and transfer opportunities.
Where is Merced College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Merced, a small city in California's Central Valley that has grown alongside UC Merced's presence in the area. With 58.76% women and 66.19% Hispanic students, Merced College reflects the demographics of the surrounding agricultural region. The Blue Devils compete in 14 varsity sports with 266 total athletes, though athletic scholarships are not offered.
How successful are students at completing their programs at Merced College?
Merced College reports a 29.10% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or take breaks for work and family obligations. The college has served the Central Valley since 1962, building a reputation as an accessible starting point for higher education. Only 0.54% of students take out federal loans, indicating the college's affordability keeps debt levels low.
