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

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UC Merced has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,541) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Merced than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while UC Merced has 9,110 students.
  • UC Merced has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • UC Merced has more full-time faculties with 428 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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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