University of California-Merced
The Vibe Check
UC Merced feels like a tight-knit, ambitious startup where students are building the campus culture from the ground up. It's a place of discovery, with a palpable focus on research and a strong sense of community among its diverse student body. You'll find a resilient and pioneering spirit in the sunny, modern campus environment.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UC Merced is a research powerhouse, particularly in STEM fields, offering undergraduates exceptional opportunities to work directly with faculty on meaningful projects. The curriculum is rigorous and built around interdisciplinary problem-solving, with strong programs in engineering, psychology, and environmental sciences. Small class sizes foster close mentorship and collaborative learning.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Merced
Student life in Merced is a mix of campus-centric activities and exploring the heart of California's Central Valley. Students often enjoy outdoor activities at nearby Yosemite National Park, Lake McSwain, and the campus's own open spaces. The city offers a growing food scene, local festivals, and a relaxed, authentic California Central Valley vibe.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($64,368):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The UC Merced campus is generally considered safe with its own dedicated and responsive police department. The surrounding Merced area has typical Central Valley crime rates, so students are advised to practice standard urban safety awareness, especially off-campus.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM fields
- ✓ High value with low net price and strong ROI, especially for in-state students
- ✓ High retention rate (83.1%) indicates strong student satisfaction and support
- ✓ Diverse and inclusive campus community with a pioneering spirit
Cons
- ✗ Location in the Central Valley can feel isolated compared to major coastal cities
- ✗ Campus culture and traditions are still developing compared to older universities
- ✗ Limited public transportation options off-campus
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UC Merced is known for its research-intensive academic programs, particularly in engineering, environmental science, and psychology. It is the newest campus in the University of California system, recognized for its modern, sustainable campus design and its commitment to serving the diverse, historically underserved Central Valley region. The university is a leader in undergraduate research opportunities and interdisciplinary studies.
UC Merced has an acceptance rate of 39.18%, making it moderately selective. While it's less competitive than some other UC campuses, admission still requires a strong academic record, including completion of the A-G course requirements with a challenging curriculum. The university uses a holistic review process, considering your GPA, personal insight questions, and extracurricular achievements.
Campus life at UC Merced is intimate and community-focused, with a residential campus where many students live and study. Students are actively involved in over 200 clubs and organizations, from cultural groups to research societies, and the campus buzzes with events, athletics, and traditions. The location provides easy access to outdoor adventures, while the campus itself is a modern, walkable hub for student life.
For California residents, UC Merced is an outstanding value, with an average net price of $12,744 and a 10-year median earnings figure of $64,368 that demonstrates a strong return on investment. The combination of a UC degree, robust research experience, and affordable cost makes it a financially smart decision. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is less clear due to the significantly higher tuition, and they should carefully weigh the total cost against potential career outcomes.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 8,718
- In-State Tuition $14,167
- Out-of-State $44,944
- Zip Code 95343
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a low average net price of $12,744 and high Pell Grant access, UC Merced offers an exceptional return on investment for a University of California degree. The 10-year median earnings of $64,368, combined with in-state tuition under $15,000, makes it a financially savvy choice for California residents. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition requires careful consideration against the strong academic programs and ROI.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.