University of California, Merced publishes a cost of attendance of $37,098 per year, comprising $14,167 in in-state tuition, $20,293 for room and board, and $1,214 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $44,944, significantly increasing total costs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $37,098 |
| Tuition and Fees | $44,944 |
| Room and Board | $20,293 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,214 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$24,354 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,744 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,572 |
| $30–48k | $9,581 |
| $48–75k | $11,594 |
| $75–110k | $17,323 |
| $110k+ | $30,561 |
University of California, Merced publishes a cost of attendance of $37,098 per year, comprising $14,167 in in-state tuition, $20,293 for room and board, and $1,214 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $44,944, significantly increasing total costs. However, the average student pays just $12,744 after financial aid, representing savings of $24,354 from the published price.
This 66% reduction from sticker price reflects the university's commitment to affordability and extensive financial aid programs. The net price compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, saving students $1,349 annually compared to similar institutions. UC Merced's financial aid strategy effectively makes higher education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds, with aid packages scaling significantly based on family income.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Merced graduates carry median debt of $16,144, significantly below the peer median of $21,105 and indicating controlled borrowing levels relative to similar institutions. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,250 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in individual borrowing needs and financial circumstances.
The university's debt performance ranks at the 83rd percentile nationally, reflecting well-managed costs and effective financial aid that minimizes excessive borrowing. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, graduates typically owe about 25 cents for every dollar of annual income, representing a manageable burden that supports post-graduation financial stability.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $15,492 with monthly payments of $204, indicating moderate family borrowing levels. The combination of controlled student debt and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Merced delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled costs. Graduates earn $16,502 beyond expectations based on their backgrounds and program mix, ranking at the 92.3rd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
With median earnings of $64,368 significantly exceeding the peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $14,252 more annually than peers at similar institutions. The university's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 indicates sustainable borrowing levels relative to post-graduation income.
Net costs below peer medians combined with earnings performance well above peer medians creates exceptionally favorable investment dynamics. This combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and strong earnings outcomes positions UC Merced among the top performers nationally for educational value and return on investment.
UC Merced's financial aid approach reflects its mission to serve first-generation and lower-income students, with 59.0% of students receiving Pell grants compared to typical rates at selective institutions. The university's ability to reduce average costs from $37,098 to $12,744 demonstrates comprehensive aid packaging that includes federal, state, and institutional resources.
Net prices by income tier show progressive targeting, with the lowest-income students paying less than 25% of published costs. The $24,354 average financial aid savings indicates robust aid programs that make the UC education accessible to diverse economic backgrounds.
This aid structure supports the university's role in promoting economic mobility and educational access for underrepresented communities throughout California and beyond.
