Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of California, Merced vary significantly by field of study, with engineering programs typically delivering the strongest earnings while health and social science programs show different career trajectories. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 17 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings performance, national rankings, and enrollment size at UC Merced.
#30 nationally
$47K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of California-Merced.
Engineering programs at UC Merced rank among the strongest performing nationally, with Bioengineering ranking #29 nationwide and Computer Engineering ranking #51. These programs deliver exceptional earnings outcomes, with Bioengineering graduates earning $82,725 and Computer Engineering graduates earning $80,693.
Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $78,386 while maintaining strong value scores. Engineering represents a core strength at UC Merced, combining competitive national rankings with robust graduate outcomes that justify educational investment for students prioritizing post-graduation earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #30 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using Department of Education data tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment. Rankings compare institutions offering the same major nationwide, measuring median earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation or selectivity. Different programs at the same institution show varying outcomes because career trajectories, industry demand, and graduate school rates differ significantly by field of study. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates tracked and confidence levels in reported outcomes. This methodology reveals which programs deliver the strongest economic returns regardless of institutional prestige, helping students make informed decisions about academic focus and career preparation.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $82,725★ |
| — |
| 34 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #51 | $80,693 | $27,935 | 134 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #59 | $78,386 | $17,719 | 146 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.Small sample | #14 | $69,970 | — | 14 |
Business Administration represents a major program at UC Merced, graduating 178 students annually with median earnings of $55,183. The program ranks #159 nationally and #30 within California, indicating moderate competitive positioning.
While earnings outcomes are solid, the program's value score of 53.4 suggests reasonable return on investment. Business programs serve students seeking management and entrepreneurial career paths, with outcomes supporting entry into diverse business sectors throughout California and beyond.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #155 | $55,183 | $17,380 | 178 |
Behavioral Aspects of Health graduates 122 students annually with median earnings of $36,555, ranking #58 nationally in this specialized field. While earnings are lower than engineering programs, this reflects the program's focus on public health and social service pathways.
The program ranks #10 within California, indicating strong regional positioning. Health programs serve students pursuing careers in public health, health education, and related fields that prioritize social impact alongside financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #61 | $36,555 | $25,001 | 122 |
Sciences and Mathematics programs show strong performance with Applied Mathematics ranking #23 nationally and Analytical Chemistry ranking #43 nationally. Biology, General serves as the university's largest program with 287 graduates earning $52,891 and achieving an exceptional value score of 90.5.
Applied Mathematics graduates earn $65,623, while Analytical Chemistry graduates earn $56,584. These programs combine solid earnings outcomes with manageable debt levels, making them well-suited for students seeking research pathways or preparation for graduate study in scientific fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #23 | $65,623★ | — | 31 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #45 | $56,584 | — | 38 |
| Biology, General. | #34 | $52,891 | $15,000 | 287 |
Social Sciences programs include Psychology, the university's second-largest program with 241 graduates earning $43,278 annually. Applied/Public Sociology graduates 77 students earning $42,087, while American Government and Politics graduates earn $52,020.
Psychology ranks #123 nationally with a value score of 64.7, indicating reasonable return on investment. These programs prepare students for careers in social services, policy analysis, and graduate study in social sciences, with outcomes supporting diverse career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #141 | $66,770★ | — | 13 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #130 | $52,020 | — | 69 |
| Psychology, General. | #124 | $43,278 | $17,706 | 241 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #143 | $42,087 | — | 77 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #142 | $26,353 | — | 14 |
American History graduates 20 students annually with median earnings of $42,305, ranking #66 nationally and achieving a strong value score of 75.6. Despite smaller cohort size, the program demonstrates solid return on investment and competitive national positioning.
History programs serve students pursuing education, law school preparation, and public sector careers. The strong value score indicates that graduates successfully translate liberal arts education into career advancement and graduate school opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #61 | $42,305★ | — | 20 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #306 | $29,152 | — | 19 |
Cognitive Science represents UC Merced's interdisciplinary strength, ranking #10 nationally and #6 within California. The program graduates 61 students annually with median earnings of $47,142 and a value score of 50.0.
This ranking reflects the university's innovation in interdisciplinary education and student demand for programs bridging multiple fields. Cognitive Science serves students interested in psychology, computer science, and neuroscience intersections, preparing graduates for technology and research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science, General. | #10 | $47,142 | — | 61 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
