Loyola Marymount University vs University of California-Merced
Loyola Marymount University is a private university in Los Angeles, CA, and University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. Loyola Marymount University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 45% of applicants against 91% at University of California-Merced. University of California-Merced is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,983 a year against $48,381 at Loyola Marymount University. About 79% of students graduate at Loyola Marymount University, compared with 69% at University of California-Merced. Ten years after enrolling, Loyola Marymount University alumni earn a median of about $78,349, against $64,368 for University of California-Merced.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Merced, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,094
8,372
Acceptance rate
45%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1430
960–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,381
$11,983
Full cost / yr
$83,943
$39,665
In-state tuition
$62,357
$15,623
Out-of-state tuition
$62,357
$49,823
Application fee
$60
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,268
$7,945
$30k - $48k
$34,535
$8,465
$48k - $75k
$34,351
$11,557
$75k - $110k
$40,557
$14,828
Over $110k
$58,371
$28,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
79%
69%
Freshman retention
89%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,763
$48,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,349
$64,368
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$16,144
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
59%
First-generation students
22%
57%
International students
9%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced harder to get into?
- Loyola Marymount University is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 91% 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.
- Which is cheaper, Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,983 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,381 at Loyola Marymount University. 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 Loyola Marymount University and University of California-Merced?
- Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and Loyola Marymount University about $83,943. 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, Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $32,268 at Loyola Marymount University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 7,094 at Loyola Marymount University.
- Does Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced have a better graduation rate?
- Loyola Marymount University has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 69% at University of California-Merced.
- Do graduates of Loyola Marymount University or University of California-Merced earn more?
- Loyola Marymount University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,349 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,368 for University of California-Merced. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Loyola Marymount University and University of California-Merced require SAT or ACT scores?
- Loyola Marymount University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Loyola Marymount University and University of California-Merced look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1430 at Loyola Marymount University and 960–1140 at University of California-Merced. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Loyola Marymount University vs Stanford UniversityLoyola Marymount University vs Santa Clara UniversityLoyola Marymount University vs University of San DiegoUniversity of California-Merced vs Stanford UniversityUniversity of California-Merced vs Santa Clara UniversityUniversity of California-Merced vs University of San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school