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Merced , CA
The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is a public research university located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Merced, California. Established in 2005, it is the newest campus in the University of California system. UC Merced is known for its commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary research, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
One unique aspect of UC Merced is its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus was designed with sustainable practices in mind and has achieved LEED Platinum certification for its energy-efficient buildings. The university also promotes sustainability in its curriculum, research, and operations, aiming to become a carbon-neutral campus by 2020. This commitment to sustainability attracts students who are passionate about environmental issues and want to contribute to a greener future.
UC Merced is a vibrant and diverse campus community with a small-town feel. With a relatively small student population, students have the opportunity to form close relationships with faculty and fellow students. The campus offers a range of academic programs across various fields, such as natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, providing students with a well-rounded education. Additionally, UC Merced's location in the Central Valley of California offers opportunities for students to engage with the local community and contribute to regional growth and development.
In conclusion, the University of California, Merced is a young and innovative campus known for its commitment to sustainability and interdisciplinary research. With a small-town feel and a range of academic programs, UC Merced offers students a unique learning experience. Whether students are interested in environmental issues, cutting-edge research, or community engagement, UC Merced provides a supportive and engaging environment for them to pursue their passions and make an impact.
Located in Merced, CA, University of California, Merced is a public university. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 91%. The freshman retention rate at University of California, Merced is 82% and the six-year graduation rate is 69%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is November 30. Explore this school's profile to find out the most essential things about University of California, Merced.
Quick Facts
8,372
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
69%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. What are the admission requirements for University of California, Merced?
In 2025, the school accepted 28,903 new students.
Test Scores
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.57. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by November 30.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for University of California, Merced was 82% in 2025, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 69%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at University of California, Merced in 2025 was 9,110.
That year, the institution had 1% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 8,372 students pursuing undergraduate degrees, including 322 international students. 223 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 4,815 male and 3,917 female full-time students in 2025. 410 full-time graduate men and 324 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at University of California, Merced.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 1,941, while the number of African American students was 417. 4,402 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 384 identified with more than one race. The school also had 21 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 15 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 100 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at University of California, Merced? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition fees for area resident were $12,799.5, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $46,650. If you are an international student at University of California, Merced, you should know that the 2025 tuition came to $46,650, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students reached $2,444 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $46,650 | $2,444 | $49,094 |
| In-State | $12,800 | $2,444 | $15,243 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university. The estimated cost of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,098.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
In 2025, the price of room and board at University of California, Merced was $22,594 per academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 12,800 |
| Room and Board | $ 22,594 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,098 |
| Total Expense | $ 36,492 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for a number of students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at University of California, Merced.
According to the most recent data, 1,613 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $31,070.09 in financial help.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 6,459 students who attained need-based financial aid of any kind. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 6,507. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution reached $35,300,735, and state $77,926,980. The students of University of California, Merced received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $68,654,867, and external in the amount of $2,090,761.
$7,573
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
114 students, including freshmen, were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 43 full-time freshmen. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $35,300,735 while the state aid is $475,627. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $2,846,067. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $210,765 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio is the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
In 2025, this ratio at University of California, Merced was 21:1. That means that there were 21 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 462 members, according to the most recent data reported. This number included 230 male and 191 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some details about students' life at University of California, Merced.
Student Organizations
Engaging with a variety of student organizations can enrich your educational experience and make it more rewarding.
If you are interested in music, you can join the University of California, Merced band or chorus. If drama is your thing, there is a club dedicated to acting that you can join.
FAQ
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University of California, Merced is located in Merced, CA.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for University of California, Merced is 91%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for University of California, Merced is 82%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.