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University of California-Merced vs Los Angeles College of Music

University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. Los Angeles College of Music is a private for-profit college in Pasadena, CA. Los Angeles College of Music admits about 88% of applicants and University of California-Merced about 91%, making Los Angeles College of Music 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 $43,590 at Los Angeles College of Music. About 69% of students graduate at University of California-Merced, compared with 44% at Los Angeles College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Merced alumni earn a median of about $64,368, against $31,758 for Los Angeles College of Music.

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

Los Angeles College of Music

Pasadena, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Merced, CA
Pasadena, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,372
227
Acceptance rate
91%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1140
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,983
$43,590
Full cost / yr
$39,665
$49,705
In-state tuition
$15,623
$30,540
Out-of-state tuition
$49,823
$30,540
Application fee
$80
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,945
$42,657
$30k - $48k
$8,465
$41,484
$48k - $75k
$11,557
$43,352
$75k - $110k
$14,828
$49,455
Over $110k
$28,734
$44,642
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
44%
Freshman retention
82%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,475
$20,538
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,368
$31,758
Median debt at graduation
$16,144
$27,938
Student body
Pell grant recipients
59%
20%
First-generation students
57%
Not reported
International students
1%
51%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Feb 15

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 Los Angeles College of Music harder to get into?
Los Angeles College of Music is harder to get into. It admits about 88% 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, University of California-Merced or Los Angeles College of Music?
University of California-Merced is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,983 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,590 at Los Angeles College of Music. 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 University of California-Merced and Los Angeles College of Music?
Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and Los Angeles College of Music about $49,705. 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, University of California-Merced or Los Angeles College of Music?
University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $42,657 at Los Angeles College of Music. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of California-Merced or Los Angeles College of Music?
University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 227 at Los Angeles College of Music.
Does University of California-Merced or Los Angeles College of Music have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Merced has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 44% at Los Angeles College of Music.
Do graduates of University of California-Merced or Los Angeles College of Music earn more?
University of California-Merced alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,368 ten years after enrolling, against about $31,758 for Los Angeles College of Music. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Merced and Los Angeles College of Music require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Los Angeles College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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