About University of California-Merced

Founded in 2005, University of California-Merced. is a college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Rural. The campus is home to 6,815 full time undergraduate students, and 521 full time graduate students.

The University of California-Merced Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 20:1. There are 325 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Merced include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate74%
Application Deadline
Application Fee70
SAT Range870-1070
ACT Range19-24

Admissions at UCM are considered Selective, with ,46% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Merced.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
61%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
26%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
59%
“We bought the gear”
27%
“We live for the big game”
20%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
5%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
66%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
61%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
12%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
45%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
22%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
61%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
26%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
59%
“We bought the gear”
27%
“We live for the big game”
20%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
5%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
66%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
61%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
12%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
45%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
22%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
61%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
26%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
59%
“We bought the gear”
27%
“We live for the big game”
20%
“It”s not really our thing”
28%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
5%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
66%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
61%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
12%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
45%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
18%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
22%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    149 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    94 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    156 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    157 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    157 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 64 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    155 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    156 Students rated local services 3.2 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    157 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

University of California-Merced REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of University of California-Merced?

103 Students rated University of California-Merced

Precious - 04/22/2024

University of California - Merced was a place like no other. Coming from a big city, the university is slower in place, allowing for one to calm down and take everything day by day. No cars within the campus allowed for students to get steps in leading to a much healthier lifestyle. Everyone had a community, everyone had someone they could relate to.

vincent - 03/18/2024

UC Merced is a nice new university. Everyone I've met there has been welcoming and helpful. It's a smaller college with only about 9000 students on campus and in a smaller town so there isn't a ton to do. But the campus itself is clean and has lots of things to get involved in such as sports and clubs.

Diana - 10/27/2023

Being a student at UC Merced has really made me realize how much potential I had. The students and professors are all so friendly and welcoming, it's really easy to talk to anyone. The campus is big and there are a lot of fun activities going on everyday. My professors are always stressing the importance of going to office hours and tutoring, so I think that's really helpful. They're always available and will answer any question students have. Overall, UC Merced has a really friendly environment and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Itzel - 08/15/2023

I think that the University of California-Merced is a wonderful school for people who are up to joining a new community. the campus is colorful and vibrant, and so is their food. It's wonderful food, really. The research facilities are always kept in top notch condition and it is a very enjoyable environment to be in.

University of California-Merced FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of California-Merced?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Merced is 74%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Be more OUTSPOKEN. Talk to everyone you see because reality is they are just as nervous and scared as you! So smile introduce yourself and who knows maybe the person you meet will be one of your best buddies while in college, but you will never know unless you speak to people. So do not think twice and just go for things. Attend as many activates as you can. Talk to people. Smile and have fun. Enjoy every moment because eventually you will realize that it will slowly get more difficult but you will pull through. This new chapter in your in life will not be easy but whatever you do, never give up and believe in yourself. Do not doubt yourself or undermine your abilities because you are a smart girl, you have proved this to yourself several times but for some reason it has not sunk in. Thus, regardless of how we might feel I believe in you and we will make it through, but always remember do not let fear of failing or fear alone get in your way. You are better than that, no matter what you do ALWAYS stay positive and always do your best.

    Read all 107 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Very welcoming and willing to help. Lots of study groups are formed between students. The majority of students at UC Merced are involved in campus clubs and organizations and actively participate in on campus events. The students here have really taken it upon themselves to make this school a huge family. Its amazing! I've never felt more at home, as soon as you get here you fit right in, and you'll never want to leave. All in all students are amazing and so warm and welcoming.

    Read all 29 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Maybe a larger dinning commons, because the one that is currently there is not sufficient for the amount of kids. Moreover, the school did not provide enough housing for incoming freshman, forcing many people like myself to live off campus freshman year.

    Read all 22 answers

  5. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    UC Merced is the newest UC (University of California) in California, that strives to be environmentally friendly and a leading 21st century research facility school where faculty and students work together to generate a better tomorrow, but of course it is also known for the precious cows the surround the campus.

    Read all 19 answers

  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is a very small campus where I really enjoy that all of my classes are taught by my professors. Classes are small which helps students form connections as many of my classes are shared with the same students.

    Read all 19 answers

  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Take more college classes

    Read all 19 answers

  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The internet in the dorm is very fast and usually stays up despite the amount of people using it concurrently.

    Read all 19 answers

  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Students interested in attending a small campus, friendly environment, diverse community, or environmentally friendly school should go here, as well as anyone that adores the outdoors or loves nature’s beauty. The school is the middle of nowhere but that makes it so much more special due to the natural wonders that surround it.

    Read all 18 answers

  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    If you're not willing to try hard and put your hand to the plow you probably dont want to attend this school. Professors, tutors, and counselors are always there to help the students that want to help themselves. If all you want to do is party, because thats what you think college is all about this is probably not the school for you. If you want college to be just like highscool with all the drama and popularity contests this schools more like a family and less like an episode of The Hills.

    Read all 18 answers

  11. What's unique about your campus?

    being small. and being far away from big cities

    Read all 15 answers

  12. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Cows and homework.

    Read all 12 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about UC Merced is the lack of variety of classes and majors. Since the school is beginning to expand, there are not many choices to choose from in regard to classes. Another frustrating thing about UC Merced is that some courses required for my major (Management) are difficult to get into. They get full really fast and in some cases only offered during the Spring/Fall.

    Read all 9 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Great small school. Big sense of community. If you are used to a small town or want to attend a university in one, this is the place to be.

    Read all 6 answers

  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    It is what you make of it. Professors are enthusiastic for the most part, trying to set the tone at a new university.

    Read all 4 answers

  16. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Sometimes

    Read all 2 answers

  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Its a pretty quiet town. You can go cow tipping. The bars are lame. Apartment parties are the typical scene. I think active, outdoorsy students enjoy life the most here b/c its fairly rural and the Sierra Nevada are close by.

    Read all 2 answers

  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Probably the two largest stereotypes are the two more correct(the university is still quite small). These are: A) couldn't get into other UCs/more financial aid B) there's nothing here but cows.

    Read all 2 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    There is a stereotype that Merced doesn't do much. The stereotype is somewhat true. There is not a lot to to because of the area, but within the school there are so many activities taking place; you are never bored. A suggestion would be to have a car, because it is is hard to get around without a car.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

51%

female

49%

male

6,815

Total Undergrad Enrollment

521

Total Grad Students

N/A

Out-Of-State

100%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

68

Student Organizations

4

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

25%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
21%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
51%
% White or Caucasian
11%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

92% of students attending University of California-Merced receive some sort of financial aid. 64% were awarded federal grants. While 52% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$39,944

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,444

Books and Supplies

$16,100

Room and Board

57,488

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$9,810
$30 - $48K
$11,244
$48 - $75K
$13,571
$75 - $110K
$19,866
$110K & UP
$28,959

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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