California State University-Los Angeles vs University of California-Merced
California State University-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA, and University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. Both admit about 91% of applicants. California State University-Los Angeles is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $3,967 a year against $11,983 at University of California-Merced. About 69% of students graduate at University of California-Merced, compared with 53% at California State University-Los Angeles. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Merced alumni earn a median of about $64,368, against $59,211 for California State University-Los Angeles.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Merced, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
19,562
8,372
Acceptance rate
91%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1060
960–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
19–24
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$3,967
$11,983
Full cost / yr
$18,403
$39,665
In-state tuition
$7,160
$15,623
Out-of-state tuition
$19,760
$49,823
Application fee
$70
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,877
$7,945
$30k - $48k
$2,974
$8,465
$48k - $75k
$5,002
$11,557
$75k - $110k
$7,355
$14,828
Over $110k
$13,578
$28,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
69%
Freshman retention
72%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,702
$48,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,211
$64,368
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$16,144
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
59%
First-generation students
62%
57%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Nov 30
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 91% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced?
- California State University-Los Angeles is cheaper on average. Students pay about $3,967 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,983 at University of California-Merced. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Los Angeles and University of California-Merced?
- Before aid, California State University-Los Angeles costs about $18,403 a year and University of California-Merced about $39,665. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced?
- California State University-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,877 there, against about $7,945 at University of California-Merced. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced?
- California State University-Los Angeles is the larger of the two, with about 19,562 undergraduates against 8,372 at University of California-Merced.
- Does California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Merced has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 53% at California State University-Los Angeles.
- Do graduates of California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced earn more?
- University of California-Merced alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,368 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,211 for California State University-Los Angeles. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Los Angeles and University of California-Merced require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Los Angeles is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Los Angeles and University of California-Merced look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1060 at California State University-Los Angeles and 960–1140 at University of California-Merced. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Los Angeles vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Los Angeles vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Los Angeles vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of California-Merced vs Stanford UniversityUniversity of California-Merced vs Loyola Marymount UniversityUniversity of California-Merced vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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