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 gives you a solid financial return for a low upfront cost. Median debt of $16,144 sits well below the $64,368 you can expect to earn ten years out, and the 83% retention rate means most students who start actually stick around to finish. For a public school serving a large low-income population,nearly 60% of you get Pell Grants,those numbers hold up.
Engineering is where the payoff is clearest. Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering graduates start above $50,000, and both carry debt loads under $20,000 that those salaries can absorb quickly. California's tech and manufacturing job markets reward these degrees, and you can commute the numbers into a strong first job.
The softer majors are weaker bets here. Economics and Business Administration start in the low $40,000s while carrying similar debt to engineering. Biomedical Engineering pays the least of the top programs at $39,729 yet piles on the most debt at $20,816,the worst debt-to-earnings ratio of the group. If you go this route, know that the "engineering" label doesn't guarantee engineering-level pay out of Merced.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $10,000 a year, which makes the return obvious. Cross into the $75,000-$110,000 band and the price jumps to $17,323. above $110,000 it more than doubles to $30,561. At that top tier the value case tightens, and you should compare against other UC campuses before committing.
This school fits you if you want an affordable engineering degree and qualify for aid. If you're paying full freight for a business or economics degree, run the math carefully,the starting salaries don't clear the cost as easily.
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.