University of California-Merced Cost & Financial Aid Information

$13,549
Average Net Price
88%
Receive Aid
59%
Pell Recipients
Very Affordable
Affordability

Average Net Price

The average net price at University of California-Merced is $13,549 per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Overall Average Net Price

$13,549

Average amount students pay per year after financial aid

Net Price by Family Income

$0-30,000$9,244
$30,001-48,000$10,126
$48,001-75,000$13,347
$75,001-110,000$20,035
$110,000+$32,273

Financial Aid

University of California-Merced demonstrates strong commitment to educational accessibility, with 88% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid and 59% benefiting from federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need.

Students Receiving Aid

88%

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 $14,167 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $44,944. Additional costs for room, board, books, and personal expenses will vary based on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Commuting students pay approximately $16,567, which is 39% cheaper than on-campus living.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

Annual Tuition & Fees

In-State: $14,167

Out-of-State: $44,944

In-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$14,167
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$29,367

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$14,167
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$28,867

Out-of-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$44,944
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$60,144

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$44,944
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$2,000
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$60,144

Commuting Students

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

In-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$14,167
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$17,867

Out-of-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$44,944
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$49,144

Cost Analysis

Analyze how UC Merced's costs have changed over time.Over the past year, University of California-Merced has increased costs by $1,963, representing a 16.9% increase in average net price.

Cost Trends

Previous Year

$11,586

Current Year

$13,549

Change

+$1,963

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 aid88%
Pell grant recipients59%
Student-faculty ratio19:1