CAMPUS · MERCED, CA · PUBLIC

UC Merced

University of California-Merced

39.2%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

MATCH

UC Merced is a match for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

39.2%

of 67,891 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$64,368

across all majors

UC Merced at a Glance

39.2%

Acceptance Rate

9,511

Total Enrollment

$64,368

Median Salary (10yr)

$16,144

Median Debt

59.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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%

Sticker Price vs What You Actually Pay

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.

Full Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$20,293
Total Cost of Attendance	$39,665

What You'll Actually Pay (Net Price by Income)

After financial aid, the real cost depends on your family's income. These are average net prices for students receiving aid.

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

Financial Aid & Student Debt at UC Merced

59.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

$16,144

Median Debt at Graduation

Is UC Merced Worth the Cost? (ROI Analysis)

$64,368

Median Earnings (10yr)

$16,144

Median Debt

4.0x

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio

A ratio above 2x generally means the investment pays off. UC Merced — 4.0x ratio is excellent — graduates earn well relative to their debt burden.

UC Merced True Cost by Family Income

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

Popular Majors at UC Merced

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Engineering

23.6%

Psychology

19.4%

Biological Sciences

16.3%

Social Sciences

13.0%

Business/Marketing

10.0%

Health Professions

5.9%

Multidisciplinary

2.9%

Physical Sciences

2.8%

Mathematics/Statistics

2.0%

Student Demographics

White

8.6%

Black/African American

4.8%

Hispanic/Latino

55.3%

Asian

21.2%

International

5.0%

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.

39.2%

Acceptance Rate

67,891

Total Applicants

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

UC System: All University of California campuses share the same application deadline. Submit one UC Application for all UC schools.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

59.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$16,144

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$48,475

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About UC Merced

What is UC Merced's acceptance rate?

UC Merced has an acceptance rate of 39.2%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What are the most popular majors at UC Merced?

The most popular majors at UC Merced by degrees awarded are: Engineering (23.6%), Psychology (19.4%), Biological Sciences (16.3%), Social Sciences (13.0%), Business/Marketing (10.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

How much do UC Merced graduates earn?

UC Merced graduates earn a median salary of $64,368 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.

Is UC Merced worth the cost?

With median earnings of $64,368 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $16,144, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making UC Merced a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.