UC Merced Acceptance Rate
UC Merced at a Glance
UC Merced Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #105 | 2025 |
UC Merced Admissions Overview
University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA with 9,511 students. At 39.2% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Engineering, Psychology, and Biological Sciences.
| Full Name | University of California-Merced |
| Location | Merced, CA 95343-5603 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucmerced.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 9,511 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 8,718 |
| Female Students | 49.2% |
Is UC Merced a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 39.2% acceptance rate, UC Merced is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
| Your Profile | UC Merced Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Meet academic requirements | Safety | Strong odds — apply with confidence |
| Slightly below average | Match | Apply — still realistic |
UC Merced True Cost by Family Income
59% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UC Merced enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $7,945 | $31,780 |
| $30-48k | $8,465 | $33,860 |
| $48-75k | $11,557 | $46,228 |
| $75-110k | $14,828 | $59,312 |
| $110k+ | $28,734 | $114,936 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $20,293 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $39,665 |
Want to see how UC Merced stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at UC Merced
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
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How to Get Into UC Merced
UC Merced is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why UC Merced fits your goals.
What UC Merced Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at UC Merced by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
UC Merced Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Merced UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
See UC Merced alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions About UC Merced
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Merced is not affiliated with NextColleges.