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UC Merced

University of California-Merced · Merced, California · Public

39%acceptance rate
–SAT middle 50%
–ACT middle 50%
$13,232average net price, in-state

UC Merced admitted 39% of 67,891 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). Test scores aren’t required. 69% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at UC Merced

Enter a score to see whether UC Merced is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $40,685 in-state and $71,462 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $13,232 on average (in-state).

Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:

  • $0–30k$8,572
  • $30–48k$9,581
  • $48–75k$11,594
  • $75–110k$17,323
  • $110k+$30,561

Quick answers

What is UC Merced’s acceptance rate?

UC Merced admitted 39% of applicants: 26,598 of 67,891 (IPEDS, fall 2023).

Does UC Merced have supplemental essays?

UC Merced uses the University of California’s Personal Insight Questions: you answer four of eight, up to 350 words each.

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Sources: College Navigator (IPEDS). Costs are IPEDS 2022–23 net price and 2023–24 sticker price. Clarity Prep isn’t affiliated with University of California-Merced.