University of California-Merced: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Merced, California · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
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University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, California that admits about 92% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $11,983 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Biology, General, Computer Engineering and Business Administration, Management and Operations, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 69% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 5.8 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of California-Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of California-Merced admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 92%. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $11,983 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What parents should know about University of California-Merced right now
UC Merced, established September 5, 2005 as the tenth and newest UC campus, achieved a milestone in February 2025 when the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education granted it R1 very high research activity status, the highest research designation in U.S. higher education. With this, all UC campuses are now R1, and UC Merced is the only R1 university in California's Central Valley and one of fewer than 200 institutions nationwide with that designation. The campus has conferred nearly 900 doctorate degrees since admitting its first graduate students in 2004. Undergraduate enrollment stands at 8,372 (fall 2024), keeping class sizes small for a research university. UC Merced offers 27 undergraduate majors and holds ABET accreditation in mechanical, environmental, and materials science engineering. A distinctive option for health-focused families is the SJV PRIME+ program, which combines four years of undergraduate study with four years of medical school to prepare physicians for underserved Central Valley communities. UC Merced is also a national leader in social mobility: 60 percent of undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients, the campus serves a 58 percent Hispanic student body, and the Wall Street Journal recently ranked it No. 1 for social mobility. Admissions remain accessible, with a 91.5 percent admit rate from 31,582 fall 2024 applicants, an average GPA of 3.57, and a middle 50 percent SAT range of 1140 to 1390, though all UCs are test-blind in admissions decisions.
What GPA does my child need for University of California-Merced?
58% of enrolled students at University of California-Merced had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.57, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does University of California-Merced weight in admissions?
University of California-Merced reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Academic GPA
- • Application essay
- • Extracurricular activities
- • Talent/ability
SAT and ACT scores University of California-Merced typically admits
Many applicants to schools in this tier submit test scores, though the policy varies by year — check the latest test-optional status before deciding.
- • Test-blind: University of California-Merced does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if submitted.
- • Policy detail: Not considered
How much does University of California-Merced actually cost?
Published tuition is $15,623 for in-state students and $49,823 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $21,445 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $11,983 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 59% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | — |
| Room and board | — |
| Average net price (after aid) | $11,983 |
| Application fee | $70 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for University of California-Merced
| Regular deadline | 11/30 |
| Reply deadline | May 1 |
Will my child graduate from University of California-Merced?
These predict outcomes at University of California-Merced better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at University of California-Merced
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of California-Merced, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Biology, General, Computer Engineering and Business Administration, Management and Operations. Across all programs, University of California-Merced confers roughly 1,485 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Biology, General program report a median income of about $67,342 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | 316 | $67,342 |
| Computer Engineering | 219 | $102,036 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 188 | $61,387 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 187 | — |
| Mechanical Engineering | 184 | $85,156 |
| Public Health | 141 | — |
| Psychology, General | 134 | $52,632 |
| Political Science and Government | 116 | $59,111 |
Is University of California-Merced safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of California-Merced disclosed 49 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 5.8 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 4 violent offenses and 9 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at University of California-Merced?
About 52% of undergraduates at University of California-Merced live in campus housing, making it a largely residential campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in California parents ask about
- California Institute of Technology3% acceptance
- San Diego State University36% acceptance
- San Jose State University85% acceptance
- San Francisco State University96% acceptance
- California State University-Long Beach46% acceptance
- California State University-Fullerton91% acceptance
- California State University-Northridge93% acceptance
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo31% acceptance
Next steps for University of California-Merced
Common questions parents ask about University of California-Merced
What GPA do I need for University of California-Merced?
58% of enrolled students at University of California-Merced had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.57, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does University of California-Merced typically admit?
University of California-Merced is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admission decisions, even if you submit them. There is no score range because scores are not read.
How much does University of California-Merced actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of California-Merced after grants and scholarships is $11,983 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $15,623 and $49,823 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of California-Merced realistic for my child?
University of California-Merced admits 92% of applicants, so the transcript and course rigour carry the decision, with no published score band to place against. Then check the $11,983 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced accepts about 92% of applicants out of roughly 31,582 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is University of California-Merced test-optional?
University of California-Merced is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if you submit them.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Merced?
About 69% of students at University of California-Merced graduate within six years, and 51% finish in four years. 82% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does University of California-Merced look for in applicants?
University of California-Merced rates course rigor, GPA and the application essay as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is University of California-Merced a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of California-Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California.
What are the most popular majors at University of California-Merced?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of California-Merced by annual graduates are Biology, General, Computer Engineering and Business Administration, Management and Operations. The school awards about 1,485 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of California-Merced safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of California-Merced reported 49 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 5.8 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at University of California-Merced?
At University of California-Merced, 52% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of California-Merced, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers