University of California-Merced

University of California-Merced has a 19.0% acceptance rate. University of California-Merced is a public 4-year institution in Merced, CA, with a median SAT of 1520 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $11,983 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

SAT & ACT Scores at University of California-Merced

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of California-Merced (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test	25th percentile	Median	75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)	1460	1520	—
ACT (composite, 1–36)	33	34	35

Student Outcomes

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of California-Merced:

Family Income	Avg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000	$7,945
$30,001 – $48,000	$8,465
$48,001 – $75,000	$11,557
$75,001 – $110,000	$14,828
$110,000+	$28,734

Top Majors at University of California-Merced

Major	Degrees Awarded
Engineering	384
Psychology	326
Biological & Biomedical Sciences	286
Business, Management & Marketing	177
Social Sciences	161
Health Professions	93
Physical Sciences	48
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	38
English Language & Literature	29
Mathematics & Statistics	25

Financial Aid at University of California-Merced

• 100.0% of students receive some form of financial aid
• Average grant/scholarship: $30,600 per year
• Average net price (all students): $11,983 per year

About University of California-Merced

• Type: Public 4-year
• Location: Merced, CA
• Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
• Yield Rate: 600.0%

Official website: https://ucmerced.edu/

Admissions: https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Merced

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 19%. it received about 1,000 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1520; the average net price is $11,983 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of California-Merced for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of California-Merced?

Getting into University of California-Merced is competitive — it admits 19% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1520. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of California-Merced for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of California-Merced?

Admitted students at University of California-Merced typically have a median SAT around 1520 and a median ACT around 34. With a 19% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of California-Merced is located in Merced, CA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of California-Merced?

The average net price at University of California-Merced is $11,983 per year after grants and scholarships. about 100% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $30,600 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced has a graduation rate of 69%. its first-year retention rate is 82%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $64,368. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of California-Merced against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of California-Merced test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of California-Merced is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1520. With a 19% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of California-Merced's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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