At $12,744/yr net price, University of California-Merced graduates earn $64,368/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,368/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,744 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,144 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,572/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,581/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,594/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,323/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,561/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
69.1% of students at University of California-Merced graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
UC Merced delivers solid financial returns despite being the newest UC campus. With a net price under $13,000 and median post-graduation earnings of $64,368, you get strong value from this public university in California's Central Valley.
Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering majors see the strongest returns, earning over $50,000 annually with manageable debt loads around $18,000-19,000. These engineering programs benefit from California's tech industry demand and offer clear career paths. Economics majors earn $43,000 with similar debt levels, while Business Administration graduates start around $42,000.
Biomedical Engineering shows weaker returns at $39,729 with the highest debt burden at $20,816. This program may require graduate school for better earning potential, making the financial picture more complex.
The 69% graduation rate presents some risk. Nearly one in three students don't finish, potentially leaving with debt but no degree. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you time to reassess if needed.
UC Merced works best financially if you're a California resident pursuing engineering or economics, want UC system quality at a lower cost, or need substantial financial aid. Nearly 60% of students receive aid, and the low sticker price makes this accessible compared to other UC campuses.
Avoid UC Merced if you're paying out-of-state tuition, as the value proposition weakens significantly. Students considering pre-med tracks should weigh the biomedical engineering program carefully against the debt load and earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Merced worth the cost?
UC Merced offers solid value with a low net price of $12,744 and modest debt levels around $16,144. Engineering graduates earn decent starting salaries, but other majors like biomedical engineering and business see below-average returns for UC system schools.
What majors at University of California-Merced have the best ROI?
Computer engineering ($55,286) and mechanical engineering ($51,392) provide the strongest returns at UC Merced. Business and economics majors earn significantly less, with business graduates starting around $41,937.
How much debt do University of California-Merced graduates typically have?
UC Merced graduates carry a median debt of $16,144, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price of around $12,744 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does University of California-Merced have good financial aid?
Yes, UC Merced provides strong financial aid with a net price of just $12,744 annually. This makes it one of the more affordable UC campuses, though graduation rates at 69% lag behind other UC schools.