financial aid
UC Merced is the #1 public university in the nation for the percentage of undergraduates who receive need-based aid.
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, 2020
No. 43 for "Best Bang for the Buck" in the Western United States
- Washington Monthly’s 2021 College Guide and Rankings
2021-22 cost of attendance*
California resident tuition and fees: $13,538
Room and board (on campus, average): $18,887
Books and supplies (estimate): $1,073
Transportation (estimate): $779
Personal expenses (estimate): $1,703
Health insurance**: $2,498
For more information on estimated cost of attendance, visit
* Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in state funding or other developments. Nonresidents will pay an additional $29,754 in tuition.
** The campus medical health insurance charge will be waived for students who provide proof of a comparable health insurance plan.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
California Dream Act Application
UC Merced's school code for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is 041271.
Estimate your financial aid award offer
91%
of UC Merced students received financial aid in 2020-21
About
$18,186
was the average annual gift aid offered to eligible UC Merced students in 2020-21
#4 in the U.S. for Social Mobility and #8 in the U.S. for economic diversity of its Students
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, 2022
