UC Merced
UC Merced at a Glance
UC Merced Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #105 | 2025 |
UC Merced Overview
University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA with 9,511 students. At 39.2% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Engineering, Psychology, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $64,368 ten years after enrollment.
| Full Name | University of California-Merced |
| Location | Merced, CA 95343-5603 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucmerced.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 9,511 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 8,718 |
| Female Students | 49.2% |
UC Merced Graduate Earnings Overview
UC Merced graduates earn a median of $64,368 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $16,144. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.
Most Popular Majors at UC Merced
What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Is UC Merced Worth It? The ROI Verdict
UC Merced delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.
UC Merced True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at UC Merced. Families earning $0-30k pay around $7,945 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $28,734. 59% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UC Merced enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $16,144, which is reasonable against the $48,475 typical early-career salary.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $7,945 | $31,780 |
| $30-48k | $8,465 | $33,860 |
| $48-75k | $11,557 | $46,228 |
| $75-110k | $14,828 | $59,312 |
| $110k+ | $28,734 | $114,936 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $20,293 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $39,665 |
Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC Merced
UC Merced is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why UC Merced fits your goals.
What UC Merced Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
UC Merced Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Merced UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Merced
More About UC Merced
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Merced is not affiliated with DeepColleges.