About

About University of California-Merced

newest uc campushigh research activityaccessible admissionsstem focused

University of California-Merced is a public research university in Merced, CA, known for its newest uc campus, high research activity, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 89%, UC Merced is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,392 students each year. UC Merced is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. UC Merced meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of California-Merced acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

89%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.50 unweighted

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of California-Merced

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UC Merced uses the UC Personal Insight Questions, and the admissions team weighs essays heavily in their review, so treat all eight prompts seriously and choose the four that let you tell a genuinely specific story about who you are and how you think.
Essay Strategy
UC Merced is a research university with a strong emphasis on STEM and sustainability, so if any of your Personal Insight Questions touch on academic interests, connect them specifically to the kind of project-based, interdisciplinary work that happens at Merced rather than speaking vaguely about your field.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of California-Merced actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of California-Merced has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of California-Merced's sticker price of ~$68k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$68k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$68k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$68k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$68k/yr$14.8k
110k+~$68k/yr$28.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

69%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$48k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
8,638
Undergrad Enrollment
University of California-Merced Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch