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University of California-Merced

Merced, California — 5200 North Lake Road, 95343-5603

Annual Tuition $14,167
Enrollment 8,372
Acceptance Rate 39.2%
Median Salary $64,368

University of California-Merced is a leading Public institution located in Merced, California. Established to provide high-quality education, University of California-Merced offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

University of California-Merced Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 9/26/2007
Location Merced, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 8,372 students
Median Salary $64,368

University of California-Merced — Institution Overview

Institution Name University of California-Merced
Location Merced, California
Official Website https://ucmerced.edu/
Address 5200 North Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343-5603
Institution Type Public
Total Students 8,372

University of California-Merced Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 39.2% Selective
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

University of California-Merced Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $14,167
Out-of-State Tuition $44,944
Pell Grant Rate 59%
Median Debt (Completers) $16,144

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

University of California-Merced cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $8,572/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $9,581/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $11,594/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $17,323/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $8,572 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from University of California-Merced, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer Engineering. salary after University of California-Merced

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $55,286 median/yr
Median debt $19,086 at graduation
Salary/debt 290% ROI ratio
1yr: $58,835 4yr: $80,693
2

Mechanical Engineering. salary after University of California-Merced

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $51,392 median/yr
Median debt $18,500 at graduation
Salary/debt 278% ROI ratio
1yr: $67,096 4yr: $78,386
3

Economics. salary after University of California-Merced

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $43,000 median/yr
Median debt $19,303 at graduation
Salary/debt 223% ROI ratio
1yr: $51,212 4yr: $66,770

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

University of California-Merced Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

39.2% Selective

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 8,372
Undergrad 7,597
Retention Rate 83.1% full-time
Full-Time Students 98.7%

Courses and Academic Programs at University of California-Merced

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 647
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 551
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 386
Computer Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 332
Mechanical Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 301
Public Health.
Bachelor's
Graduates 284
Sociology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 165
Political Science and Government.
Bachelor's
Graduates 161
Cognitive Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 125
Chemistry.
Bachelor's
Graduates 79
Showing top 10 of 57 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at University of California-Merced

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $64,368 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $48,475
Graduation Rate 69.2% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — University of California-Merced
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $48,475
10 Years After Entry $64,368
Is University of California-Merced Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $12,744
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $64,368
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 142300%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at University of California-Merced

Total Students 8,372
Undergrad 7,597
Graduate 775
Retention Rate 83.1% full-time

Gender Breakdown

47.5%
52.5%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 98.7%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

Hispanic
57.7%
Asian
22.4%
White
8.9%
Black
4.9%
Two or More Races
4.4%
Unknown / Unreported
1%
International
0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 57.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 83.1%
💍
Married Students 0.5%
📅
Students Age 25+ 2.3%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 40.9%

Student Economic Background

Average Family Income $43,308
Median Family Income $33,931

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.7%
47.3%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at University of California-Merced

University of California-Merced participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 59% of students
Federal Loan Rate 31.5% of students
Avg Net Price $12,744 after aid
Median Debt $16,144 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $16,144
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $24,250

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact University of California-Merced's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of California-Merced Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 9/26/2007
4-Year Graduation Rate 69.2%
Median Graduate Salary $64,368
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms University of California-Merced meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for University of California-Merced

Frequently Asked Questions about University of California-Merced

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

University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 39.2%, making it a selective institution.

How much is tuition at University of California-Merced?

Tuition at University of California-Merced is $14,167 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of California-Merced?

Graduates of University of California-Merced earn a median salary of $64,368 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is University of California-Merced located?

University of California-Merced is located at 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, California 95343-5603. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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