Students at the University of California-Merced achieve earnings that place the university among the top quarter of institutions nationwide, while paying significantly less than at most comparable universities.
The combination of strong financial outcomes and exceptional affordability creates outstanding value for students from all economic backgrounds.
The University of California-Merced delivers strong value as a newer UC campus that combines accessibility with impressive long-term outcomes. Students here achieve a median of $64,368 in earnings ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 79th percentile nationally for return on investment. What makes UC Merced particularly compelling is how it serves a diverse student body—59% receive Pell Grants and 57% are first-generation college students—while still delivering earnings that significantly exceed expectations.
The university's strength lies in its ability to provide UC-quality education at a more accessible price point. Net prices for low-income families average just $8,572 annually, well below most comparable institutions, while middle-income families pay around $11,594. This affordability, combined with strong graduation rates and solid career outcomes, makes UC Merced an attractive option for families seeking proven results without excessive financial risk.
As the newest UC campus, UC Merced has built a reputation for innovation and student support that translates into real economic mobility. The university's focus on STEM fields, combined with its commitment to serving underrepresented students, creates an environment where diverse learners can access high-quality education and achieve meaningful career success in California's dynamic economy.
The University of California-Merced's program portfolio reflects its strategic focus on fields that drive California's economy, with particular strength in STEM disciplines and applied sciences. Computer Engineering represents the university's highest-earning major, with 134 graduates earning a median of $55,286 ten years out, positioning these students well for careers in California's thriving technology sector. The program combines rigorous technical training with hands-on experience, preparing students for roles in software development, hardware design, and emerging technologies.
Biology dominates the university's enrollment and economic impact, graduating 287 students annually with median earnings of $31,391. While these earnings may appear modest, Biology serves as a foundation for many students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, research, and biotechnology—fields where UC Merced's research focus and faculty expertise provide valuable preparation. Psychology, the university's second-largest program with 241 graduates earning around $28,697, reflects the growing demand for behavioral health professionals and research specialists throughout California.
The university's relatively focused program mix allows for concentrated resources and faculty expertise in key areas. As a newer institution, UC Merced has been able to design programs around current industry needs rather than legacy structures, resulting in curricula that align closely with employer expectations and career market demands. This strategic approach helps explain why graduates achieve earnings that exceed expectations, even in traditionally lower-paying fields.
Graduates of the University of California-Merced see strong financial returns on their educational investment. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $64,368, with the university ranking in the 79th percentile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. Perhaps more impressive is how much graduates earn beyond expectations—UC Merced delivers an earnings advantage of approximately $16,502 compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add substantial value to students' career trajectories.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, with STEM fields leading the way in terms of financial returns. Computer Engineering stands out as the highest-earning major, with graduates earning around $55,286 ten years out, combining strong early-career prospects with the university's growing reputation in technology fields. Biology represents the largest program by total economic impact, graduating 287 students annually with median earnings of $31,391, while Psychology enrolls 241 students with earnings around $28,697. These programs reflect UC Merced's focus on preparing students for California's key industries, from technology and healthcare to research and education.
The university's relatively young age works to its advantage in career preparation, with modern facilities and curricula designed around current industry needs. Students benefit from UC Merced's location in California's Central Valley, where cost of living is moderate compared to coastal areas, allowing earnings to stretch further while still providing access to major metropolitan job markets throughout the state.
The University of California-Merced offers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $8,572 per year, placing the university in the 83rd percentile nationally for affordability and well below what most public universities charge. Middle-income families see annual costs around $11,594, while even higher-income families pay $30,561—reasonable for a UC-quality education. This pricing structure makes UC Merced one of the most accessible paths to a prestigious university system education.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $16,144 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,492. The university's strong financial aid programs help keep borrowing reasonable, and with a 0% federal loan default rate, graduates demonstrate their ability to successfully manage their educational investments. The combination of affordable net prices and manageable debt loads creates a sustainable financial model that allows students to focus on their studies rather than worry about overwhelming future obligations.
What makes UC Merced particularly attractive is how its affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality or outcomes. Students receive the full benefits of UC system resources, faculty expertise, and alumni networks while paying significantly less than they would at more established UC campuses. This value proposition is especially compelling for families who want access to top-tier public education without the premium pricing typically associated with highly selective institutions.
University Of California-Merced Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
