University of California-Merced Cost & Financial Aid Information

$13,232
Average Net Price
85%
Receive Aid
59%
Pell Recipients
Very Affordable
Affordability

Average Net Price

The average net price at University of California-Merced is $13,232 per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Overall Average Net Price

$13,232

Average amount students pay per year after financial aid

Net Price by Family Income

$0-30,000$8,572
$30,001-48,000$9,581
$48,001-75,000$11,594
$75,001-110,000$17,323
$110,000+$30,561

Financial Aid

University of California-Merced demonstrates strong commitment to educational accessibility, with 85% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid and 59% benefiting from federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need.

Students Receiving Aid

85%

Of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance

Pell Grant Recipients

59%

Of students receive federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need

Grants & Scholarships

Gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid

Work-Study Programs

Part-time employment opportunities on campus

Student Loans

Federal and private loan options available

Combined Sticker Price (Undergraduate)

The sticker price represents the total cost before any financial aid is applied. In-state students can expect a sticker price of $11,834 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $11,834. Additional costs for room, board, books, and personal expenses will vary based on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Commuting students pay approximately $14,234, which is 43% cheaper than on-campus living.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

Annual Tuition & Fees

In-State: $11,834

Out-of-State: $11,834

In-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$27,034

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$26,534

Out-of-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$27,034

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$2,000
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$27,034

Commuting Students

Students living at home and commuting to campus can significantly reduce their costs.

In-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$15,534

Out-of-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$11,834
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$16,034

Cost Analysis

Analyze how UC Merced's costs have changed over time. Over the past year, University of California-Merced has decreased costs by $317, representing a 2.3% reduction in average net price.

Cost Trends

Previous Year

$13,549

Current Year

$13,232

Change

$-317

Affordability & Value

University of California-Merced is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education with strong return on investment.

Affordability Rating

Very Affordable

Based on average net price compared to national averages

Investment Value

Students receiving aid85%
Pell grant recipients59%
Student-faculty ratio21:1