University of California, Merced
Merced, United States • Founded 2005 • World Rank #619
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 2005, the University of California, Merced is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Merced (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
This institution also has branch campuses in Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
University of California, Merced (UC Merced) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 19-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UC Merced also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
University of California, Merced's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
University of California, Merced's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.
Academic Structures
University of California, Merced delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 3 items
- School of Engineering
- School of Natural Sciences
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Programs Offered
University of California, Merced's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.
71 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 28 programmes
Showing 10 of 28.
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 21 programmes
Showing 10 of 21.
How to apply to University of California, Merced
Practical steps to apply to University of California, Merced, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of California, Merced offers 71 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at University of California, Merced has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via University of California, Merced's online portal at www.ucmerced.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (209) 228 4400. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of California, Merced
Quick answers to the most common questions about University of California, Merced — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When was University of California, Merced founded?
University of California, Merced was established in 2005 (approximately 21 years ago).
In which city is University of California, Merced?
University of California, Merced is based in Merced, United States.
Is University of California, Merced a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at University of California, Merced?
University of California, Merced has approximately 9,000-9,999 students.
What is University of California, Merced's ranking?
University of California, Merced is ranked #619 globally and #119 in United States.
How many faculties does University of California, Merced have?
University of California, Merced has 3 academic units.
Who recognises University of California, Merced?
Yes, University of California, Merced is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Where can I learn more about University of California, Merced?
You can find University of California, Merced online at www.ucmerced.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The leading universities in the United States are listed below — useful for sizing University of California, Merced against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United States typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of National Athletic Association (NAA)
Cross-credit recognition between National Athletic Association (NAA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. University of California, Merced's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near University of California, Merced, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Programme-level scholarships for Liberal Arts students vary substantially across the United States institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Compared with University of California, Merced
Comparable institutions to University of California, Merced — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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