University of California, Merced

School Overview

University of California, Merced is located in Merced, CA, 95343, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #57 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

University of California, Merced has an acceptance rate of 90%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6. Applications are due by Nov. 30, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

University of California, Merced enrolls 8,372 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 24% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 51%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at University of California, Merced include Engineering (22% of students, median early-career salary: $89,244), Psychology (20% of students, median early-career salary: $52,632), and Biological and Biomedical Sciences (17% of students, median early-career salary: $67,342). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $22,594. However, the average net price after financial aid is $13,450, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $34,718 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with University of California, Merced's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. University of California, Merced combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether University of California, Merced is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.