gradeB
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?Data Sources
Academics
gradeB
Value
gradeA
Diversity
gradeB+
Campus
gradeC+
Athletics
gradeC+
Party Scene
gradeB minus
Professors
gradeB+
Location
gradeC minus
Dorms
gradeB+
Campus Food
gradeC minus
Student Life
gradeB minus
Safety
gradeA
About
About UC Merced...
- Hispanic-Serving Institution
- Public College
- SAT/ACT Optional
- Branch of
- University of California System
Athletic Division
NAIA
Athletic Conference
California Pacific Conference
- California
From University of California - Merced
UC Merced is the newest campus of the world-renowned University of California system and the first research university built in the 21st century. We pride ourselves on accessibility and offer rigorous and contemporary majors in three academic schools that prepare students for careers and graduate school beyond college.
We are small enough to be intimate, and our students have formed a close-knit community, much like a private school experience, but at a public school cost.
As a hub for research in the San Joaquin Valley, many students have the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty as an undergraduate.
Our campus proudly serves the most ethnically and culturally diverse student body among all UC campuses. We believe that educating students of every race, religion, sexual identity, and geographic region strengthens our commitment to serving students who reflect today's world.
Explore what UC Merced offers, and we invite you to join the Bobcat family and shape your future here.
University of California - Merced Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
See All University of California - Merced Rankings
Admissions
Application Deadline
Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
November 30
Acceptance Rate
89%
SAT Range
960-1140
ACT Range
19-24
Application Fee
$70
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Accepts Common App
No data available —
Read More About Admissions
Will You Get Into UCM?
Test Scores and High School GPA for University of California - Merced
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Cost
Net Price
$13,549/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$25,868/ year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
86%
Find Private Student Loans
Find College Scholarships
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Academics
Professors
gradeB+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
18:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
82%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.135 responses
48%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.164 responses
56%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.164 responses
Read More About Academics
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Biology
316 Graduates
Computer Hardware Engineering
219 Graduates
188 Graduates
Research and Experimental Psychology
187 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering
184 Graduates
Public Health
141 Graduates
Psychology
134 Graduates
Political Science and Government
116 Graduates
Sociology
112 Graduates
Cognitive Science
72 Graduates
More
See All Majors
Discover the possibilities for your future.
UC Merced offers more than 60 undergraduate academic programs and 18 graduate programs taught by more than 400 full-time faculty members, visiting professors and lecturers, who come to Merced from some of the world's top-ranked universities.
Online
Programs Offered Entirely Online
Total number of complete undergraduate programs offered online or through distance learning.
Offers Online Courses
College offers distance education courses.
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
Total number of certificate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Associates Programs
Total number of associate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Bachelor's Programs
Total number of bachelor's degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Explore All Online Majors
How Students Learn
Based on class setting of student enrollment.
Mix of Online and on Campus
13%
On Campus
87%
Online
0%
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
8,202Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
141
Undergrads Over 25
3%
Pell Grant
59%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on
102 responses
Hardworking, friendly, and easy going.
66%
Hard working, competitive, intelligent
10%
Hardworking, reserved, Getting by
10%
Getting by
9%
Stressed
2%
Depressed
1%
Entitled Snobs
1%
More
Read More About the Students
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
No data available —
Poll
62%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.192 responses
Poll
71%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.213 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on
120 responses
New and developing
55%
BOBCATS
18%
Beautiful
8%
Underrated
6%
Memorable
4%
Home away from home
2%
Interesting
2%
More
Read More About Campus Life
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
No data available —
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
67%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
68%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.95 responses
Read More About Life After Graduation
University of California - Merced Reviews
Rating 3.65 out of 5 2,250 reviews
Rating 5 out of 5
I liked the close and tight knit community UC Merced offered both socially and educationally. The institution provided an ability to form meaningful relationships with colleagues and the faculty, and imbued a sense of culture where it did not feel competitive amongst your peers. The Career Center and multiple resource departments were committed to the success of their students, whether it was academically or entry into the professional world. One of my favorite aspects in my overall experience at UC Merced was that multiple times throughout the academic year the school hosted Career Fairs where students would be able to meet with potential employers in different industries and create connections before graduating. And the same with the Graduate School Fairs where students would be able to meet with Graduate school professionals and representative to understand the multitude of career paths they can take post graduation. Overall I am very happy that I was able to attend such a school.
- Other
- a month ago
Rating 5 out of 5
Overall, I'm pleased with my experience at UC Merced as of now. As a first-generation college student, I appreciated the Students First center - if you have any question involving standing, financial aid, registration, or almost anything about the campus, the staff there can either answer those questions or promptly redirect you to someone who can. I like the small physical size of the campus because it makes navigation between buildings easy to learn and easy to navigate in a hurry - I can walk to every single building from any given building on campus in less than 25 minutes without speedwalking. I haven't lived in the suites on the north half of campus yet, but the dorms on the south half of campus aren't bad. They're still college-student dorms, but they are new buildings and don't have bug or pest problems.
- Senior
- 15 days ago
Rating 5 out of 5
My experience at the University of California, Merced has been incredibly enriching. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the approachable nature of the professors. Many of them went beyond the curriculum, building a personal connection with their students and fostering a supportive learning environment. The vibrant community and numerous opportunities made for an exciting college experience on campus. I engaged in various clubs and activities, including joining a fraternity, where I forged lasting friendships that have been invaluable. The sense of camaraderie and belonging I found within these groups has truly enhanced my time at UC Merced. While the dormitory accommodations were comfortable and conducive to student life, I must note a slight decline in the quality of food over the years. Despite this minor setback, my overall experience at UC Merced has been overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the engaging professors, vibrant campus life, and the lifelong connections I've made.
- Senior
- 2 months ago
