Academic Comparison between Fresno State and UC Merced

California State University-San Marcos and University of California-Merced are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.University of California-Merced
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationMerced, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,653
Out-Of-State$46,541
63%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,780
95.10 %Acceptance Rates90.53 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)7.24 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate69 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
79 %Retention Rate82 %
16,237Student Population9,110
416Number of Faculties428
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare