Merced College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Merced College
Set in California's Central Valley, Merced College is known for hands-on teaching, steady support, and clear paths to transfer or the workforce. Students find strengths across foundational academics, career and technical areas, the arts, and public service. Facilities include updated classrooms and labs, a well used library, study spaces, tutoring, advising, and resources for veterans, parents, and first gen students.
Campus life is welcoming and low key, then livens up for clubs, cultural events, and athletics. And outdoor minded students tap nearby parks and foothills. Career prep shows up through resume help, interview coaching, and ties to regional employers in agriculture, health, education, and small business. The transfer culture benefits from proximity to UC Merced and a community that feels close without being small.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Merced College offers 69 degree programs across 28 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,163 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 860 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 370 graduates), Health (7 programs, 342 graduates), Social Sciences (6 programs, 319 graduates) and Business (8 programs, 289 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 860 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 860 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 370 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 370 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Health (7 programs, 342 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 144 |
|
Residency
|
51.3902 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 70 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Registered Nursing | 49 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 44 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0716 |
| Radiologic Technology | 26 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0910 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3901 |
Social Sciences (6 programs, 319 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 188 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0101 |
| Sociology | 101 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0701 |
Business (8 programs, 289 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 107 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 80 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 30 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0302 |
| Business Administration | 27 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 17 |
|
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Real Estate | 15 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1501 |
| Small Business Management | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0703 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1801 |
Agriculture (6 programs, 186 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness Operations | 74 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0102 |
| Agricultural Machinery Technology | 58 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0205 |
| Animal and Livestock Production | 30 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
01.0302 |
| Crop Production | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0304 |
| Equine Science and Management | 2 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0307 |
| Applied Horticulture | 2 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0601 |
Production (1 programs, 160 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 160 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Mechanics (4 programs, 116 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 99 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
| Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0101 |
| Computer Installation and Repair Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
47.0104 |
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0303 |
Human Sciences (4 programs, 90 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 82 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19.0709 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0501 |
| Foodservice Systems Management | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
19.0505 |
| Child Care Management | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19.0708 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 67 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 61 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0103 |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43.0201 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Merced College
How much does it cost to attend Merced College?
The annual tuition at Merced College is $1,194 for in-state students and $8,154 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,132 for in-state students and $9,092 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Merced College offer?
Merced College offers 69 academic programs across 28 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (7 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (6 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (8 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Merced College?
Merced College provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,379 and average loans of $3,900.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,354
- State/Local grants: $2,493
- Institutional grants: $1,900
- Federal loans: $3,900
The university supports 1,055 students with grants and 5 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Merced College graduates?
Merced College graduates earn a median salary of $31,468 after 6 years and $37,815 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,554 (25th percentile) to $57,608 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $59,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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