Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Merced, California
39.2% Acceptance Rate
University of California-Merced — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
39.2%Acceptance Rate
3.55Avg GPA
1050Avg SAT
$37,098Annual Cost
$64,368Grad Salary
59%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
39.2%
Avg GPA
3.55
Avg SAT
1050
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1080
Avg Net Price
$12,744
Need-Based Aid
59% receive Pell
University of California-Merced is a modern, research-intensive campus of the prestigious University of California system. Known for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, and technological innovation, the university offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields like engineering, sciences, and the humanities. With its state-of-the-art facilities, supportive faculty, and focus on collaborative research, UC Merced provides an elite and transformative educational experience for students aiming for professional and academic leadership.
University of California-Merced Acceptance Rate
University of California-Merced is selective but reasonable: about 39.2% of applicants (39 per 100) are admitted each cycle.
What UC Merced Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 39.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier — a solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.55 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.35 – 3.54
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.10
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of California-Merced Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark July 31 for University of California-Merced (Spring — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 4 days left — Spring
Spring
July 31
Regular Decision (Fall)
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2027/03/02 (FAFSA/California Dream Act priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UC Merced GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UC Merced is 3.55. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.25 and 3.55? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.75–3.95.UC Merced GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.55 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.35 – 3.54
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.15 – 3.34
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.14
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Newest UC campus, located in Merced, CA; part of the 10-campus UC system; $80 application fee per campus ($95 international/non-immigrant).
- UC application filing period for Fall 2027 entry: October 1-November 30, 2026; application itself opens August 1, 2026; no early action/decision, no rolling admission anywhere in the UC system.
- Admitted students must complete BOTH a Math and a Chemistry placement exam (for science/engineering/pre-health majors) opening March 16, 2026 with a priority deadline of May 31, 2026 - required before enrolling in intro math/calculus or chemistry courses.
- Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) requires a $250 deposit; deferment is possible via appeal for students who don't automatically qualify for a fee waiver.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UC Merced
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of California-Merced's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of California-Merced (UC Merced) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at UC Merced — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into UC Merced Without SAT or ACT?
UC Merced neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average — otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
University of California-Merced Average SAT Score: 1050
Admitted students at University of California-Merced average a 1050 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1050 — Accessible
A 1050 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1080 SAT) to stand out. Below average? University of California-Merced allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1010? A retake is worth it at UC Merced — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1050 | 1010 | 1080 |
A score under 1010 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1080+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into University of California-Merced (UC Merced) with a 1100 SAT?
At 1100, your SAT is squarely in UC Merced's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UC Merced
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At UC Merced, admissions looks for reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to land as a top-tier applicant — that's what triggers both admission and the best merit aid.
Build PIQ selection around UC's 13 comprehensive review factors, not just "best stories"
UC Merced uses comprehensive review across 13 published factors (academic GPA/rigor, special talents, leadership, special circumstances, etc.), and UC's own admissions directors have stated the 8 Personal Insight Question prompts map directly onto those factors. Don't have a student pick their 4 of 8 PIQs (350 words each, fixed across all UC campuses applied to) purely on "which story do I like best" - instead map each of the 13 review factors against the student's available material first, then choose the 4 PIQs that collectively cover the WIDEST spread of factors rather than 4 essays that all demonstrate the same strength (e.g., four essays that all really just say "I'm a strong leader" in different settings).
Target the top-9%-of-class signal even though it isn't a hard guarantee at Merced specifically
UC Merced explicitly names being in the top 9% of a student's graduating class as a characteristic it values in review, tied to the statewide UC eligibility index. But unlike UC's most selective campuses, Merced is NOT auto-admit on top-9% status alone - it's one favorable signal within comprehensive review, not a guarantee. Counsel students with top-9% standing to still invest full effort in PIQs and "a-g" rigor rather than treating the ranking as a free pass, since Merced's holistic process weighs it alongside, not above, the rest of the file.
Treat the July 1 / July 15 post-admission transcript deadlines as a second, hard finish line
Getting admitted is not the end of the process: UC Merced requires FINAL official transcripts by July 1, 2026 and final official test scores (if submitted) by July 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 admits - missing these can result in the admission offer being RESCINDED outright. Any senior-year grade dip, course change, or "planned" course that doesn't get completed must be reported via the myCourseUpdates form by June 12, 2026. This is a real compliance cliff that catches students who treat "I got in" as the finish line rather than a conditional offer.
Use the no-test-score policy to commit fully to a-g rigor and PIQ quality instead of test prep
UC Merced will NOT consider SAT/ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes at all - not test-optional, fully test-blind. This means every hour a student might spend on SAT/ACT prep produces zero admissions value at Merced; redirect that time entirely into deepening "a-g" course rigor (4 years of math, 3+ years of science recommended beyond the minimum) and PIQ draft-revision cycles, which are the only two levers Merced's comprehensive review actually responds to.
Expert Insight:
Because the application is shared across all UC campuses, families often write generic PIQs aimed at "UC" broadly and assume they transfer equally well to every campus - but Merced's own admissions advice explicitly notes selection is NOT based on declared major for freshmen (unlike transfer applicants, where major preparation is central and changing majors post-admission "may not be possible"). A family treating Merced's freshman process like its more rigid transfer process, or assuming a "safety school" mentality means PIQs matter less here than at a more selective UC, both misjudge how comprehensive review actually operates at this campus.
UC Merced Profile
Full Name
University of California-Merced (UC Merced)
City
Merced
State
California
ZIP Code
95343-5603
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a UC Merced Degree Worth It?
At $37,098/year against a $64,368 median graduate salary, UC Merced is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
How much does a degree from UC Merced Cost?
Listed tuition runs $37,098/year at UC Merced; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land closer to $12,744.
At UC Merced, 59% receive a Pell Grant and 31.5% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming UC Merced on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a UC Merced Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, UC Merced graduates report a median income of $64,368, about 59% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Merced. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | 1037 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of California-Merced. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Merced. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
Degree Programs at UC Merced
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Merced Admissions
University of California-Merced graduates earn a moderate median salary of $64,368/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of California-Merced is moderate, around $37,098/year; many students supplement with aid.
59.0% of University of California-Merced students receive a Pell Grant — need-based aid you don't repay. File your FAFSA early and list University of California-Merced as a choice for the best shot at maximum aid.
University of California-Merced's acceptance rate is 39.2%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of California-Merced students is 3.55, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.25 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of California-Merced. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.15 or below makes admission tougher at University of California-Merced, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
University of California-Merced weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1050, and within the 1010–1080 range, keeps you competitive.
University of California-Merced's deadline is July 31 (Spring).
University of California-Merced charges an application fee of 80; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2027/03/02 (FAFSA/California Dream Act priority) — that's University of California-Merced's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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