University of California-Merced: 89.5% Acceptance Rate

89.5%Acceptance

$14,167Tuition

8,372Students

69%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$64,368Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of California-Merced

UC Merced represents the University of California system's commitment to expanding access in California's Central Valley. The newest UC campus opened in 2005 with a mission to serve the region's diverse, first-generation college population. With 8,372 students on a midsize suburban campus, it maintains the intimacy of a smaller university while building the research credentials expected of a UC school. The campus particularly emphasizes engineering, natural sciences, and programs that address Central Valley challenges like water resources and agricultural innovation.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,572 net annually, making this one of the most affordable UC options. Even middle-income families with earnings between $48,000-$75,000 pay only $11,594 after aid. Graduates earn a median $64,368 ten years after enrollment, strong returns given the typical debt load of $16,144. Nearly 60% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's success in serving low-income students who often struggle to access top public universities.

The student body is 58% Hispanic and 99.5% in-state, creating an authentic California community. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at established UCs, but also opportunities to work closely with faculty building new research programs. Athletic teams compete as the Golden Bobcats in Division II.

Academics & Faculty

UC Merced is the University of California system's newest campus, opening in 2005 as a research university designed to serve California's Central Valley. The school emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities across science, technology, engineering, and social sciences. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at liberal arts colleges, but students benefit from access to modern research facilities. The 69% six-year graduation rate reflects the campus's commitment to supporting first-generation college students, who make up a significant portion of the enrollment. UC Merced is particularly known for its environmental systems, bioengineering, and cognitive science programs, leveraging its research focus to give undergraduates hands-on laboratory experience.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 93.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.1%
Retention Rate: 83.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,368
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$55,286
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$51,392
Economics.	Bachelor	$43,000
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,937
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Bachelor	$39,729
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.	Bachelor	$38,721
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$31,391
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$30,554
Sociology.	Bachelor	$30,228
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$29,685

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

UC Merced sits in California's Central Valley, about two hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. The campus houses 4,341 students in residence halls, though with 8,372 total enrollment, many students commute from the surrounding area. Expect hot, dry summers and mild winters where you'll rarely need more than a light jacket. The Central Valley gets plenty of sunshine year-round.

As the newest UC campus, opened in 2005, Merced has a modern feel with state-of-the-art facilities. With 99.54% of students coming from in-state and 57.74% identifying as Hispanic, the campus reflects the diversity of California's Central Valley. Students often head to nearby Yosemite National Park for weekend adventures, just an hour's drive away. The Golden Bobcats compete in 12 varsity sports with 195 total athletes. Campus life centers around the research mission, with opportunities to work directly with faculty given the 21:1 student-faculty ratio. Many students appreciate the smaller UC environment where they can make their mark on a growing campus.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 4,341 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Arson	13	13	0
Rape	9	6	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	8	0	0
Dating Violence	3	3	0
Burglary	2	1	1
Statutory Rape	2	2	0
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–54°F
July Avg: 61°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UC Merced draws almost exclusively from California, with 99.54% of students coming from in-state. The campus serves as a gateway to higher education for Central Valley families, with 59.01% receiving Pell Grants. Hispanic students make up the largest group at 57.74%, followed by Asian students at 22.35%. This demographic mix reflects the university's founding mission to expand UC access to underserved communities. The relatively balanced gender split at 52.51% male suggests the research university attracts students across diverse academic fields rather than skewing toward traditionally male-dominated programs.

Men: 52.5%
Women: 47.5%
White: 8.9%
Black: 4.9%
Hispanic: 57.7%
Asian: 22.4%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 59.0%

Location

The University of California-Merced sits in California's Central Valley, about 120 miles southeast of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Merced serves as the gateway to Yosemite National Park, just 60 miles away in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The campus draws 99.54% of its students from California, reflecting its mission to serve the often-overlooked Central Valley region. This agricultural heartland differs dramatically from California's coastal cities, offering a slower pace and lower cost of living. The surrounding area combines small-town charm with access to outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Merced with similar schools in the region.

Address: Merced, California 95343-5603

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,368
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,884
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $171/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,144

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UC Merced accepts 89.46% of applicants, making it the most accessible UC campus. As the newest UC school, opened in 2005, it was designed to expand access to top-tier public education in California's Central Valley.

How much does University of California-Merced cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,744, with 59.01% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,572 after aid, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students in the Central Valley.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of California-Merced?

The student-faculty ratio is 21:1 with 8,372 total students enrolled. As a research university focused on innovation, UC Merced emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities despite its larger class sizes.

How much do University of California-Merced graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $64,368 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $171. The 93.3% employment rate reflects strong job prospects, particularly for students entering California's growing tech and agricultural sectors.

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

The campus sits in Merced, a midsize suburban city in California's Central Valley. With housing capacity for 4,341 students and 99.54% in-state enrollment, it creates a close-knit community atmosphere among California residents.

What makes University of California-Merced unique among UC schools?

UC Merced serves a majority Hispanic student population at 57.74%, the highest among UC campuses. Founded specifically to serve the underrepresented Central Valley region, it maintains the research standards of the UC system while focusing on accessibility and community impact.