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University of California-Merced vs California Northstate University

University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. California Northstate University is a private for-profit university in Elk Grove, CA. University of California-Merced admits about 91% of applicants and California Northstate University about 92%, making University of California-Merced the harder of the two to get into. About 95% of students graduate at California Northstate University, compared with 69% at University of California-Merced.

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

California Northstate University

Elk Grove, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Merced, CA
Elk Grove, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,372
37
Acceptance rate
91%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1140
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,983
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$39,665
Not reported
In-state tuition
$15,623
$57,463
Out-of-state tuition
$49,823
$57,463
Application fee
$80
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,945
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$8,465
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$11,557
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$14,828
Not reported
Over $110k
$28,734
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
95%
Freshman retention
82%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,475
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,368
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$16,144
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
59%
0%
First-generation students
57%
Not reported
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Rolling

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Merced or California Northstate University harder to get into?
University of California-Merced is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 92% at California Northstate University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is bigger, University of California-Merced or California Northstate University?
University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 37 at California Northstate University.
Does University of California-Merced or California Northstate University have a better graduation rate?
California Northstate University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 69% at University of California-Merced.
Do University of California-Merced and California Northstate University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California Northstate University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

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