HomeUniversitiesUniversity of California, Merced
University of California, Merced
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #57

University of California, Merced

United States

26,544/yr

Avg. tuition

73,964/yr

Living (Bachelors)

75,108/yr

Living (Masters)

38+programs

Courses

About

Founded in 2005, the University of California, Merced is a land-grant research institution situated in Merced, California. It is a well-known public university created to elevate educational standards and enhance capabilities within the area. The institution holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It currently supports a community of 8,500 students, which includes 850 international students originating from 50 nations.

What is the Acceptance Rate of the University of California, Merced?

The University of California, Merced maintains an acceptance rate of 39%, meaning that roughly 39 out of every 100 applicants are granted admission. This reflects a moderately selective admissions policy, offering academically qualified students a strong possibility of being accepted into the University of California, Merced.

Academic offerings at the University of California, Merced consist of 18 graduate programs, 25 minors, and 25 majors delivered by an expert faculty alongside visiting lecturers and professors. Several fields of study available on campus encompass bioengineering, applied mathematics, chemistry, chemical biology, economics, interdisciplinary humanities, physics, political science, and sociology, among others.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced stands out as a premier institution regarding alumni success, cost-effectiveness, and the high standard of academic quality it delivers.

  • Enrolled individuals can take advantage of both institutional and external scholarships provided through the university. Scholarships at the University of California, Merced represent financial aid awards granted based on exceptional talents, academic accomplishments, merit, and economic need.
  • Collaborative ties maintained by the University of California, Merced with global universities, industry associates, and research organizations enable students to engage in joint research projects, student and faculty mobility initiatives, and exchange program agreements.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

39%

Application Fee

$80 - $155

How to Apply at University of California, Merced

  • Applicants can sign up through the official university application portal.
  • Choose the Merced campus and the desired majors when applying to the University of California, Merced.
  • Candidates need to input personal information such as their full name, program title, country of origin, permanent address, and passport details.
  • Admission selections are not based on entrance exam scores. Instead, applicants must submit high school transcripts, final college degrees, and English language proficiency results.
  • Pay the application fee to finalize the submission.

Note Application Portal: Online application portal

The University of California, Merced Application fee: 80 USD (6,400 INR)

Documents Required to Apply to University of California, Merced

  • Copy of passport
  • Final college transcripts
  • Official high school transcripts and documents
  • Official Advanced Baccalaureate Exam scores
  • Standardized entrance exam scores
  • English proficiency test scores
  • Entry-level writing requirement
  • Personal statement

Exams Accepted By University of California, Merced

Applicants are required to meet specific entrance examination criteria to successfully complete the admission process at the University of California, Merced.

Exams

Minimum Requirements 

SAT

1060

ACT

19

English Proficiency Requirements

Candidates who achieve the minimum scores on the designated English proficiency tests enjoy a high probability of acceptance into the university.

Test

Minimum Requirements 

TOEFL iBT

80

IELTS 

6.5

Duolingo

115

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has 1

Campus locations California

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

The University of California, Merced offers diverse public transit options for its student body. Transportation methods feature cat tracks, trains, bus transits, local and regional taxis, along with designated parking provisions.

Services offered by the university

  • The university supplies multiple recreation, sports, and athletic facilities for students, including the Greg and Cathie Hostetler Court and the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center.
  • Serving as the inaugural building on campus, the Kolligan Library houses a repository of over 70,000 online journals and 102,000 physical books.
  • Merced is a lively city featuring mural-adorned alleys, Italian trellises, a multicultural arts center, a community playhouse, the Merced Theatre, and various architectural landmarks.

Student life at University of California, Merced

The primary campus of the University of California, Merced is situated in a rural environment and spans an 815-acre property.

  • Students actively take part in numerous public events and community-driven activities hosted at the University of California, Merced.
  • The campus perimeter features shops, retail stores, farmers' markets, and dining establishments, offering ample variety for both students and faculty.

On campus accomodation at University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced furnishes on-campus housing to ensure a comfortable and accessible living experience for students.

  • Housing options provided by the institution consist of single, double, and quad rooms located within residential buildings.
  • Students are required to register and execute housing contracts with the university to select their preferred room type and potential roommates.
  • Two distinct room formats are available: suite-style residence halls and traditional shared residence halls.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:19

University Faculty Stats

The University of California, Merced campus employs 450 faculty members. The male-to-female student ratio at the institution is 47:53. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 19:1, with more than 32.2% of classes containing fewer than 20 students. International students comprise 9.9% of the total student population at the University of California, Merced.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

21096783

Internship opportunities at University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced maintains an extensive database featuring internships, part-time jobs, and various specialized career openings. Through the Centre for Career and Professional Advancement, students receive essential tools, programs, and networking opportunities with prospective employers. Numerous private companies, alongside government and semi-government agencies, sign up on the UC Merced portal to offer positions and recruit top-tier talent.

Placements at the University of California, Merced

The University of California, Merced boasts a strong placement rate, with 91% of alumni securing employment rather than pursuing further studies six years post-graduation. Graduates from the University of California, Merced earn an average annual salary of 30,000 USD (23,96,000 INR).

Popular Courses · 38

Last updated August 14, 2026

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University of California, Merced: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at UC Merced