University of California-Merced (UC Merced) is a four-year, public school located in Merced, CA. University of California-Merced was newly classified as an R1 University in 2025 due to its significant growth in research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The UC Merced's tuition & fees is $14,653 for California residents and $46,541 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 85% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $24,780.
The school has a total enrollment of 9,110 and the students to faculty ratio is 20 to 1 (5.00%).
UC Merced's acceptance rate is 90.53% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 7.24%.
UC Merced ranked 318th in National Universities and 76th in California Colleges rankings. University of California-Merced is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of University of California-Merced is $14,653 for in-state students and $46,541 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $14,753 for in-state students and $29,855 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $15,156 for California residents and $48,195 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $15,342 for California residents and $30,432 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $14,653 | $46,541 |
| Graduate | $14,753 | $29,855 |
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $15,156 | $48,195 |
| Graduate | $15,342 | $30,432 |
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
| Acceptance Rate » | 90.53% Acceptance Rate / 7.24% Yield |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate » | 69% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 11% |
| Retention Rate | 82%(full-time), 42% (part-time) |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 5.00% (20 to 1) |
| Student Population » | 9,110 (8,372 undergraduate) |
| Average Financial Aid » | $24,780 |
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard
University of California-Merced offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for undergraduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers the study abroad opportunity which is an arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
| Learning Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| ROTC | Air Force |
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
| Teacher Certification | No |
| Study Abroad | Yes |
| On-Campus Services | |
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
| Employment services for students | Yes |
| Placement services for completers | No |
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
| Address | 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343-5603 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 209-228-4400 |
| WEB | School's Website |
| Admission | Admission Information |
| Online Application | Apply Online |
| Financial Aid | Deadlines and Applications |
| Net Price Calculator | Net Price Calculator |
| Veterans Tuition | Veterans Benefit Information |
| Athletic | Athletic Team Information |
| Disability Service | Disability Services |
| School Type | four-year, public |
| Carnegie Category | New R1 University |
| Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
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