University of California, Merced : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About University of California
Set amid wide open grasslands and big sky, UC Merced is known for a hands-on approach that blends science and engineering with social science, humanities, and the arts. Modern labs, studios, and makerspaces sit beside a light-filled library and plenty of quiet nooks. Students can tap tutoring, advising, career coaching, and health and counseling services, with faculty who are notably accessible.
Campus life leans active and inclusive. You'll find cultural festivals, service projects, intramurals, and weekend trips to nearby lakes and the Sierra foothills. The culture prizes sustainability and first-generation pride, with a collaborative vibe that makes it easy to jump in. Career preparation shows up in campus research, internships with regional hospitals, schools, ag-tech and agencies, and a UC network that travels well. In town, murals, cafés, and farmers markets offer a friendly scene and real ways to plug in. Stargazing nights and campus celebrations add a shared rhythm.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
University of California, Merced offers 32 degree programs across 17 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,905 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Engineering (8 programs, 430 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 379 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 318 graduates), Business (1 programs, 190 graduates) and Social Sciences (5 programs, 183 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Engineering (8 programs, 430 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | 184 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0901 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 152 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1901 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0501 |
| Software Engineering | 18 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0903 |
| Environmental Health Engineering | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.1401 |
| Materials Engineering | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1801 |
| Biological and Biosystems Engineering | 7 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.4501 |
| Civil Engineering | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0801 |
Psychology (1 programs, 379 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 379 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42.2799 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 318 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 287 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Cell and Molecular Biology | 31 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.0406 |
Business (1 programs, 190 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 190 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52.1399 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 183 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 89 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 63 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 2 |
|
Master's
|
45.0603 |
Health (1 programs, 104 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health | 104 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
51.2201 |
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 78 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0801 |
| Chemistry | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
| Geology and Earth Science | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Chemistry | 15 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0599 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 50 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science | 50 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
30.2501 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 39 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27.0301 |
English (1 programs, 29 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of California, Merced.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
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 University of California, Merced
How much does it cost to attend University of California, Merced?
The annual tuition at University of California, Merced is $14,167 for in-state students and $44,944 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $40,685 for in-state students and $71,462 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $20,293 (on) / $10,537 (off) and books and supplies $1,214.
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 University of California, Merced offer?
University of California, Merced offers 32 academic programs across 17 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (8 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for University of California, Merced?
University of California, Merced has an 39.2% acceptance rate and a 9.1% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 67,891
- Students admitted: 26,598
- Students enrolled: 2,416
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of California, Merced?
University of California, Merced provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $24,868 and average loans of $5,023.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,704
- State/Local grants: $11,227
- Institutional grants: $11,298
- Federal loans: $4,710
The university supports 1,924 students with grants and 746 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 University of California, Merced graduates?
University of California, Merced graduates earn a median salary of $48,475 after 6 years and $64,368 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $42,064 (25th percentile) to $95,770 (75th 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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