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University of California, Merced SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.57

Acceptance Rate91.5%

UC Merced’s 91.5% acceptance rate means your plan should focus on fit, cost, and academic follow-through, not chasing an SAT or ACT score the campus will not use. Keep your GPA and course rigor strong, and pay close attention to affordability, especially if you would be paying out-of-state tuition.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of California, Merced facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of California, Merced enrolls 8,372 undergraduates in Merced, California. UC Merced has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 69% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. UC Merced uses a test-free admissions policy.

Location

Merced, CA

Undergrad Enrollment8,372

Freshman Retention82%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio21:1

Graduation Rate69%

Test PolicyTest-free

How does your GPA compare at UC Merced?

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Key University of California, Merced application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

November 30

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

UC Merced is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission, including for the November 30 application deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.

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What you'll actually pay

At UC Merced, in-state tuition is $12,260 and out-of-state tuition is $44,555. About 78% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.

In-State Tuition$12,260

Out-of-State Tuition$44,555

Room and Board$21,446

Average Merit Award$7,832

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid78%

Average Aid Package$34,718

Average Debt at Grad$15,185

At UC Merced, out-of-state tuition is $44,555, while in-state tuition is $12,260, with room and board at $21,446. About 78% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $34,718. The average merit award is $7,832. Graduates leave with an average debt of $15,185.