Santa Clara University vs University of California-Merced
Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants and University of California-Merced about 91%, making Santa Clara University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,983 a year at University of California-Merced after aid, and about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 69% at University of California-Merced. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $64,368 for University of California-Merced.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Merced, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,552
8,372
Acceptance rate
48%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1490
960–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$50,062
$11,983
Full cost / yr
$82,026
$39,665
In-state tuition
$61,293
$15,623
Out-of-state tuition
$61,293
$49,823
Application fee
$70
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,985
$7,945
$30k - $48k
$19,154
$8,465
$48k - $75k
$26,531
$11,557
$75k - $110k
$37,219
$14,828
Over $110k
$60,678
$28,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
69%
Freshman retention
94%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,198
$48,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$109,183
$64,368
Median debt at graduation
$19,162
$16,144
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
59%
First-generation students
17%
57%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 7
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 Santa Clara University or University of California-Merced harder to get into?
- Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% 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, Santa Clara 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 $50,062 at Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University and University of California-Merced?
- Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and Santa Clara University about $82,026. 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, Santa Clara University or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $22,985 at Santa Clara University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Santa Clara University or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 6,552 at Santa Clara University.
- Does Santa Clara University or University of California-Merced have a better graduation rate?
- Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 69% at University of California-Merced.
- Do graduates of Santa Clara University or University of California-Merced earn more?
- Santa Clara University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $109,183 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,368 for University of California-Merced. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Santa Clara University and University of California-Merced require SAT or ACT scores?
- Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University and University of California-Merced look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University and 960–1140 at University of California-Merced. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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