University of California-Merced: Is It Worth It?
Merced, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
12.4
Net Price/Year
$11,983
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$64,368
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$16,144
at graduation
Is University of California-Merced Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $64,368 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $11,983 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $47,932.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 0.7 years.
The median graduate leaves with $16,144 in debt, which represents about 25%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
90.5%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
8,372
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
68.9%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
82.1%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
142300.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$15,623
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,823
Avg Net Price
$11,983
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Merced worth the money?
Based on federal data, University of California-Merced graduates earn a median of $64,368 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $16,144 at graduation. The ROI score is 12.4.
What do University of California-Merced graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of California-Merced graduates is $48,475 six years after enrollment and $64,368 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Merced?
The acceptance rate at University of California-Merced is 90.5%.
How much debt do University of California-Merced graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for University of California-Merced students is $16,144.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.