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
In 2018, UC Merced ranked in the Top 20 in the Western U.S. for affordability.
- Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges
2019-20 cost of attendance*
California resident tuition and fees: $13,538
Room and board (on campus, average): $17,046
Books and supplies (estimate): $1,016
Transportation (estimate): $464
Personal expenses (estimate): $1,702
Health insurance**: $2,242
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.
90%
of UC Merced students recieved financial aid in 2018-19
About
$18,500
is the average annual gift aid offered to eligible UC Merced students in 2018-19
UC Merced is #2 in the nation for percentage of undergraduates determined to have financial need.
- 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings
