Overview of University of California at Merced (UCM)

University of California, Merced, is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 66%. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to select from. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 8,544 (7,881 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 48 percent male/52 percent female
• 99 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $13,538 (in-state); $42,530 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,016
• Room and Board: $17,046
• Other Expenses: $4,373
• Total Cost: $35,973 (in-state); $64,965 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 94 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 92 percent
  • Loans: 53 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $21,194
  • Loans: $5,075

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Psychology; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; and Social Sciences

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 81 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 38 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 66 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball

Overview of University of California at Merced (UCM) Admissions

The University of California, Merced, which accepts approximately two-thirds of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions procedure. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data             

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, UC Merced had an acceptance rate of 66%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 66 students gained admission, making UC Merced’s admissions procedure moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 94% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of UC Merced’s students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT.  50% of admitted students scored between 510 and 600 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 510 and 25% scored over 600. 50% of students scored between 510 and 590 on the math part, while 25% scored under 510, and 25% scored over 590. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1190 or higher will have a competitive advantage at UC Merced.

ACT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 51% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most UC Merced’s students fall within the top 55% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students to UC Merced received a cumulative ACT score between 19 and 27, while 25% scored over 27, and 25% scored under 19.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA of the University of California, Merced’s incoming freshmen class, was 3.56. This information suggests that Successful applicants to UC Merced have A and B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for UC Merced, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If UC Merced is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for UC Merced, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Rider University, Old Dominion University, Texas State University, Georgia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Liberty University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than UC Merced. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Applying to UC Merced

Application Deadline: November 30

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/apply?menu=

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/prospective-students/how-apply

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/prospective-students/apply-now