University of California-Merced
Founded in 2005, the University of California-Merced is a 4-year public research institution in northern California and the first American research university opened in the 21st century. UC Merced is home to colleges of Social Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences offering undergraduate degrees in 24 academic majors. To promote environmental sustainability, all UC Merced buildings are LEED certified. For a hands-on learning experience, UC Merced collaborates with Yosemite National Park and remains the only institution to maintain a research station within the park’s borders.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | November 30 | May 1 |
| Other | September 30 |
Admitted Student Stats
39%
Submitting ACT
96%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 20
Average SAT Composite: 1100
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
9,103
Total Number of Undergrads
8,343
Classroom Sizes
0
100
45%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
69%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
19:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $14,167 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $44,944 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $20,293 |
| Books and Supplies | $1214 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
84%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
61%
Average Aid Per Year
$25,868
61%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,659
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$13,138
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
35%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$4,754
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$12,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$172
Majors
Majors Overview
Majors
38
Most Popular Majors
- Computer engineering, general
- Mechanical engineering
- Biology/biological sciences, general
- Psychology, general
- Business administration and management, general
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
200
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
44%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Bobcats
School Colors
blue and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NAIA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Merced
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Sacramento
Modesto
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$70,136
What Students Are Saying
the housing on-campus is very new, every building is made of good quality. the library is huge, you can eat in it, and some areas are actually quiet. the whole campus is wireless, i can get text to my smartphone when my laundry is done washing.
Kristen from Fresno, CA
This school is looked down upon for being so new to the UC System. It is a great school thriving. All the current students are pioneers of something big. UC Merced is expanding and will eventually highly prestigious. It gives the students who were at a disadvantage, a chance to prove themselves that they are worthy of a college education.
Israel from Modesto, CA
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