UC Merced admissions is somewhat selective with an acceptance rate of 89%, making it a moderately competitive school to get into. The regular admissions application deadline for UC Merced is November 30th, giving potential students ample time to gather all necessary materials and submit their applications.
In order to be considered for admission to UC Merced, students should aim for a High School GPA in the range of 3.45 to 4.00. Additionally, prospective students should target a ACT Composite Score between 18 and 25, an ACT English Language Arts score between 18 and 26, and a SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing score between 510 and 630. Meeting these basic admission requirements will increase the likelihood of being accepted into UC Merced.
The admission process at UC Merced involves completing the regular admissions application by the November 30th deadline. It is important for applicants to submit all required materials, including transcripts, test scores, and any additional requested documents. Meeting the GPA and test score requirements mentioned earlier will strengthen an applicant’s chances of gaining admission to UC Merced. Overall, taking the time to carefully complete the application and provide all necessary information will help to increase the likelihood of acceptance into this selective university.
| UC Merced Acceptance Rate | 89% |
|---|---|
| Regular Admissions Deadline | November 30 |
| GPA Requirement | 3.45 – 4.00 |
| ACT Composite Score | 18 – 25 |
| ACT English Language Arts Score | 18 – 26 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing Score | 510 – 630 |
UC Santa Merced Overview
University of California-Merced can be found in Merced, CA, a public college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. About 9,700 students are enrolled at University of California-Merced.
The majority of students that got into University of California-Merced had an SAT score between 1000 to 1180, or got accepted with an ACT score in the range of 19 to 25. By applying sampled GPA data from over 150 schools, we are able to estimate that the UCM average GPA ranges from 2.98 to 3.33 for accepted students. About 70% of all students which applied were admitted at UCM, and from those that were granted acceptance nearly 12% continued on to enroll. You can get more information from the admissions office website at admissions.ucmerced.edu.
UC Merced Acceptance Rate
University of California–Merced admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 85%. Half the applicants admitted to University of California–Merced have an SAT score between 940 and 1140 or an ACT score of 17 and 22. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. The application deadline is Nov. 30 and the application fee at University of California–Merced is $70. The easiest UC schools to get into include UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced, all of which have acceptance rates over 50%. Located 40 minutes outside San Jose, UC Santa Cruz earns high marks for its picturesque campus and close beach access.
UC Merced is an above-average public university located in California. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 8,080 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the UC Merced acceptance rate is 72%. Graduating 69% of students, UC Merced alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $36,900.
University of California—Merced is a public institution that was founded in 2005. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,815, and the setting is Rural. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of California—Merced’s ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 165. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,598 (2017-18); out-of-state tuition and fees are $41,612 (2017-18).
General Information
Public, Coed SCHOOL TYPE
2005 YEAR FOUNDED
N/A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
Semester ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Rural SETTING
N/A 2016 ENDOWMENT
School Mission and Unique Qualities
The mission of the University of California, Merced, is embodied in its proud claim of being the first American research university of the 21st century.
UC Merced Rankings
University of California–Merced is ranked #165 in National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
- #165 (tie) in National Universities
- #106 (tie) in High School Counselor Rankings
- #87 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- #162 (tie) in Engineering Programs (doctorate)
Other rankings at this school: Graduate
Undergraduate Information
Applying
When applying to University of California–Merced, it’s important to note the application deadline is Nov. 30. The application fee at University of California–Merced is $70. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due Jan. 15. It is less selective, with an acceptance rate of 74 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
Selectivity
Less selective
Fall 2016 acceptance rate
74%
Application deadline
Nov. 30
SAT/ACT scores must be received by
Jan. 15
Priority application deadline
Students Also Applied to
University of California–Davis
#46 (tie) in National Universities
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University of California–Irvine
#42 (tie) in National Universities
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University of California–Riverside
#124 (tie) in National Universities
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University of California–Santa Barbara
#37 (tie) in National Universities
UC Merced Acceptance Rate
The student-faculty ratio at University of California–Merced is 20:1, and the school has 25.6 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of California–Merced include: Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Engineering; Social Sciences; and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 85 percent.
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| Total | Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | 71% | 73% |
| Applicants | 25,424 | 11,251 | 14,173 |
| Admissions | 18,294 | 8,008 | 10,286 |
| Freshmen enrolled full time | 2,101 | 995 | 1,106 |
| Freshmen enrolled part time | 4 | 3 | 1 |
55 students enrolled in some distance education courses.
Class sizes
Classes with fewer than 20 students25.6%
20-4945.4%
50 or more28.9%
Student-faculty ratio
20:1
4-year graduation rate
38%
Total faculty
Student Life
University of California–Merced has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,815, with a gender distribution of 49 percent male students and 51 percent female students. At this school, 36 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 64 percent of students live off campus. In sports, University of California–Merced is part of the NAIA.
Student gender distribution
51%
Female
Total enrollment
7,336
Collegiate athletic association
NAIA
Full-time degree-seeking students
University of California – Merced Majors
| Major | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Doctoral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology & Biological Sciences, General | 318 | ||
| Psychology, General | 214 | 2 | 8 |
| Business Administration and Management, General | 153 | ||
| Computer Engineering, General | 128 | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | 113 | 7 | 4 |
| Public Health, General | 88 | 4 | 4 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 69 | 3 | |
| Cognitive Science | 63 | 5 | |
| Sociology | 58 | 3 | |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering | 25 | 3 | 1 |
| Economics, General | 26 | ||
| Applied Mathematics, General | 20 | 1 | 3 |
| Chemistry, General | 24 | ||
| Environmental & Environmental Health Engineering | 22 | ||
| English Language and Literature, General | 19 | ||
| History, General | 19 | ||
| Cell & Cellular and Molecular Biology | 7 | 11 | |
| Physics, General | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Computer Software Engineering | 12 | 5 | |
| Anthropology | 15 | ||
| Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General | 13 | ||
| Materials Engineering | 8 | 2 | |
| Geology & Earth Science, General | 9 | ||
| Environmental Science | 5 | 4 | |
| Chemistry, Other | 4 | 1 | |
| Humanities & Humanistic Studies | 2 | 2 | |
| Computer Engineering, Other | 3 | 1 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | 3 | ||
| History, Other | 1 | 1 | |
| Grand Total | 1,415 | 55 | 63 |
uC merced gPA requirements
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
Avg. High School GPA
3.51
Typical High School Grades
B+
What GPA do you need to get into University of California Merced?
Applicants require very good grades in high school to get into UC Merced. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at University of California Merced was 3.51 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #40 in California for highest average GPA. If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as UC Merced accepts 72% of students who apply.
uC merced Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates – Details
General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions
- High School GPA Scores are Required
- School Records are Required
- College Prep Classes are Required
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,…) are Required
- TOEFL Exam (Foreign Language Students) are Required
Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 25,424 | 44.3% | 55.7% |
| Admitted | 18,294 | 43.8% | 56.2% |
| Enrolled | 2,105 | 47.4% | 52.6% |
Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to UCM (Fall 2020)
| SAT® Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Critical Reading | 500 – 590 |
| Math | 500 – 590 |
| Total Score | 1000 – 1180 |
| ACT® | Score Range |
|---|---|
| English | 17 – 22 |
| Math | 18 – 24 |
| Composite Score | 19 – 25 |
uC merced Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of California Merced is $70.
uC merced Application Deadline
Fall 2021 Application Deadline
Applications are Due
Nov 30, 2021
Days left to Apply
49
Applicants have 49 days left until the Fall 2021 term applications are due on Nov 30, 2021.
uC merced tuition
At University of California–Merced, 88 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $20,482.
Paying for college doesn’t have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.
Financial Aid Statistics
In-state tuition and fees
$13,598 (2017-18)
Out-of-state tuition and fees
$41,612 (2017-18)
Room and board
$15,923 (2017-18)
Minimum credits per term a student can take for full-time tuition price
Campus Safety
Campus safety data were reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and have not been independently verified. The numbers for criminal offenses reflect reports of alleged offenses to campus security and/or law enforcement authorities, not necessarily prosecutions or convictions. Experts advise prospective students and their families to do their own research to evaluate the safety of a campus as well as the surrounding area.
Campus Services
University of California–Merced offers a number of student services, including day care, health insurance.
Students who have cars on campus
N/A
Health insurance offered
UC Merced is one of the country’s best four-year universities for quality, affordability and alumni outcomes, according to Money’s 2020 Best Colleges rankings by value.
In its first year on the annual list, UC Merced is No. 76 out of 739 schools that met Money’s criteria for evaluation.
Furthermore, UC Merced is one of Money’s 2020 Most Transformative colleges, meaning its students beat the odds by surpassing expectations based on their academic and economic backgrounds. The university ranked No. 12 on this list, higher than any other University of California campus.
“UC Merced, absolutely, is changing lives and is a model of the transformative power of higher education,” said Chancellor Juan Sanchez Muñoz, who — like 74 percent of the school’s undergraduates — was a first-generation college student.
“Our university is conducting world-changing research, creating justly celebrated advances in social mobility for our students and advancing the economic and cultural progress of the Central Valley and California.”
At the 15-year-old Merced campus, “research is a priority and touches on everything from renewable energy to artificial intelligence,” Money’s report said. “Despite its young age, UC Merced already has something for everyone.”
In creating the rankings, Money weighed more than 28 data points for each school, including tuition fees, family borrowing and career earnings.
Money notes that 90 percent of UC Merced students receive some form of financial grants, the best rate of any public university in California.
The university’s graduation rate of 66 percent is 20 percent higher than schools with similar populations, according to Money’s calculations. Students take, on average, 4.5 years to obtain a degree and have an average debt total of $19,000. Post graduation, alumni earn an average of $54,300 within five years.
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