Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.1%
- Retention Rate
- 83.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $64,368
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,144
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $171/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $19,003 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $51,392 | $18,498 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,000 | $19,303 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $16,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $20,816 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $38,721 | $20,619 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,391 | $18,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,554 | $17,132 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $17,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $14,500 |
| Cognitive Science. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $20,105 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,697 | $16,500 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $14,442 | $15,455 |
Outcomes Overview
UC Merced graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $16,144, creating monthly payments of $171. With median earnings reaching $64,368 ten years after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio sits at a manageable 25%. Monthly loan payments consume just 3.2% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 93.3% employment rate reflects strong job market outcomes for this young UC campus. Many graduates find opportunities in California's tech sector, healthcare, and agricultural industries that dominate the Central Valley region. The combination of relatively low debt, solid earning potential, and high employment rates delivers a strong return on investment for students willing to attend the UC system's newest campus.