UC Merced
Merced, California
How selective is it?
UC Merced is in our Accessible tier (75%+ acceptance). Admits the large majority of applicants who meet minimum eligibility requirements.
Fall 2026 acceptance rate ~95%.
Tiers are broad on purpose. Acceptance rates move every cycle, and many schools are more competitive for specific majors than the school overall, so use this as a starting point for your list, not a prediction.
How to use UC Merced in your college list
This is often a likely or safety option for students who meet the school's eligibility requirements. Still confirm that your intended major is offered and not capped, and note deadlines for housing, scholarships, and financial aid, which can matter more than the admission decision itself.
Building a list across tiers? See all 47 California colleges in our finder, or follow our guide to building a list by score and GPA.
Check the current numbers yourself
For UC Merced's current test-score and GPA ranges, acceptance rate, and cost, go to the source:
- Find its Common Data Set ↗ Section C has the middle 50% of scores and GPA. Our step-by-step guide shows how to read it.
- College Scorecard ↗ U.S. Department of Education data on cost, graduation, and outcomes.
- Net price calculator ↗ Estimate what your family would actually pay after aid.
- Find the official admissions page ↗ Deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Similar colleges to consider
Schools with a similar selectivity, in the same state, or known for the same fields. A balanced list usually mixes a few reaches, several realistic targets, and at least one or two safeties.
Frequently asked questions
How selective is UC Merced?+
UC Merced sits in our "Accessible" tier (75%+ acceptance). Fall 2026 acceptance rate ~95%.
Is UC Merced hard to get into?+
Admits the large majority of applicants who meet minimum eligibility requirements. Selectivity varies by major and changes every admissions cycle, so treat the tier as a starting point and check UC Merced's own admissions data for the current year.
How do I find UC Merced's current SAT, ACT, and GPA ranges?+
Search "UC Merced Common Data Set" and open Section C, which lists the middle 50% of test scores and GPA for the entering class. Our guide "How to Build Your Own College List by Score and GPA" on this site walks through it step by step.
Where is UC Merced?+
UC Merced is a public institution in Merced, California.
Selectivity tiers and "known for" tags are general guidance compiled from public sources and may be out of date. MajorAtlas isn't affiliated with UC Merced. Always confirm details with the school.