Campus Identity
University of California-Merced is a mid-size public university in Merced, CA. Approximately 8,372 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Turlock Lake is about 17 miles from 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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At a Glance
University of California-Merced is a mid-size public university in Merced, CA. Approximately 8,372 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Turlock Lake is about 17 miles from 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.
Campus Lifestyle
University of California-Merced is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 47 miles from DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc..
Athletics
NCAA D2
California Collegiate Athletic Association
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
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
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 students enrolled.
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.
Does University of California-Merced have college sports?
Yes — University of California-Merced competes at the NCAA D2 level in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
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
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- California Collegiate Athletic Association
- 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)
Location
Merced, CA