At a Glance
University of California-Merced is a mid-size public university in Merced, CA. Approximately 8,372 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Turlock Lake is about 17 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 47 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Location
Merced, CA
Campus Identity
University of California-Merced is a mid-size public university in Merced, CA. Approximately 8,372 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Turlock Lake is about 17 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 47 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@ucmerced
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Campus Lifestyle
University of California-Merced is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NAIA athletics. The campus is 84 miles from Palm Beach, CA and 47 miles from DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc..
Athletics
NAIA
Cal Pac
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
84 miles
Palm Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
57°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
University of California-Merced students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., 47 miles away. All are within 62 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Nearest Beach
Students at University of California-Merced are 84 miles from Palm Beach, CA.
Palm Beach, CA
Ocean access within 84.3 miles
Nearby Lake
Turlock Lake is 17 miles from campus, giving University of California-Merced students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Turlock Lake
Lake access within 16.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Merced, CA
Merced has a mild climate, with winters averaging 46°F in Jan and summers peaking around 78°F in Jul.
Station: MERCED · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
University of California-Merced in CA earns a composite safety score of 46/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,623 | $49,823 |
| Fees | $2,215 | $2,215 |
| Room & Board | $21,445 | $21,445 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $39,283 | $73,483 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
71 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of California-Merced located?
University of California-Merced is located in Merced, CA. The main campus address is 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 91%, making it accessible. Out of 31,928 applicants, 28,906 were admitted in the most recent year. 8,372 enrolled.
How many students attend University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced enrolls 8,372 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Merced?
For the 2024-25 academic year, University of California-Merced charges $15,623/year for in-state students and $49,823/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($21,445/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $43,411/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $11,983/year — what students actually pay. Use University of California-Merced's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of California-Merced?
The undergraduate application fee at University of California-Merced is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
What NCAA division is University of California-Merced in?
University of California-Merced competes in NCAA NAIA, part of the Cal Pac.
Is University of California-Merced the right fit for me?
Whether University of California-Merced is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (91% admit rate), avg net price ($11,983/year after aid), campus culture in Merced, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of California-Merced against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of California-Merced directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Merced, CA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NAIA
- Conference
- Cal Pac
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 57°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 46/100
- Nearest Airport
- Merced, CA (MCE) · 8 mialso MER (8 mi), MOD (34 mi)