Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given UC Merced's 39% acceptance rate and competitive position within the UC system, most applicants should consider backup options. The schools below offer similar career outcomes with different admission profiles, geographic locations, or cost structures.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider California State University-Stanislaus (97% acceptance, $63,188 median earnings) just 26 miles from UC Merced. California State University-Sacramento admits 94% of applicants while producing graduates earning $64,876, nearly identical to UC Merced outcomes. Both offer strong value with significantly more accessible admission while maintaining program quality and graduate success.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in California should consider California State University-Stanislaus (26 miles away, $63,188 earnings) for similar outcomes in the Central Valley. California State University-Sacramento (99 miles away, $64,876 earnings) offers comparable results with easier admission. For higher earnings potential, Menlo College delivers $76,419 median earnings just 97 miles away, though at significantly higher cost.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
