Acceptance
91%
In-State
$15,623
Grad Rate (4yr)
51%
Retention
82%
Earnings
$64,368
AI Overview
UC Merced, California's newest research university, offers an intimate learning environment where undergraduates work directly alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects from day one. The campus attracts self-starters who want to shape traditions rather than follow them—students here actively influence curriculum and campus life. With strong programs in STEM fields like chemistry and unexpected standouts like philosophy, it's ideal for curious minds seeking a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere in California's Central Valley.
AI-generated interpretation, separate from the federal statistics on this page · refreshed Mar 2026
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
In-State Tuition
$15,623
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,823
Room & Board
$21,445
Average Net Price
$11,983
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants & scholarships
Receive Pell Grants
59%
Take Federal Loans
29%
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,144
6-Year Graduation Rate
1st Year Retention Rate
Median Earnings
10 years after enrollment
$64,368Median Debt
At graduation for completers
$16,144Top Programs by Earnings
Bachelor's degree graduatesComputer Engineering
217 graduates
$102,575
4 yrs after graduation
Mechanical Engineering
150 graduates
$95,040
4 yrs after graduation
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
50 graduates
$88,795
4 yrs after graduation
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
19 graduates
$83,007
4 yrs after graduation
Applied Mathematics
38 graduates
$82,156
4 yrs after graduation
Economics
27 graduates
$67,692
4 yrs after graduation
Political Science and Government
102 graduates
$62,815
4 yrs after graduation
Biology, General
308 graduates
$59,249
4 yrs after graduation
English Language and Literature, General
24 graduates
$58,623
4 yrs after graduation
Chemistry
31 graduates
$56,888
4 yrs after graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
Available Programs
35+ programsAnd 23 more programs available
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