Skip to content

University of California-Merced vs West Coast University-Ontario

University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. West Coast University-Ontario is a private for-profit university in Ontario, CA. West Coast University-Ontario admits about 88% of applicants and University of California-Merced about 91%, making West Coast University-Ontario 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 $49,590 at West Coast University-Ontario. About 69% of students graduate at University of California-Merced, compared with 50% at West Coast University-Ontario. Ten years after enrolling, West Coast University-Ontario alumni earn a median of about $102,672, against $64,368 for University of California-Merced.

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public

West Coast University-Ontario

Ontario, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Merced, CA
Ontario, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,372
2,671
Acceptance rate
91%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.39–3.89
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
$49,590
Full cost / yr
$39,665
$53,706
In-state tuition
$15,623
$36,854
Out-of-state tuition
$49,823
$36,854
Application fee
$80
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,945
$45,911
$30k - $48k
$8,465
$46,861
$48k - $75k
$11,557
$50,048
$75k - $110k
$14,828
$53,706
Over $110k
$28,734
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
50%
Freshman retention
82%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,475
$96,114
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,368
$102,672
Median debt at graduation
$16,144
$32,946
Student body
Pell grant recipients
59%
49%
First-generation students
57%
40%
International students
1%
0%
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 West Coast University-Ontario harder to get into?
West Coast University-Ontario 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 West Coast University-Ontario?
University of California-Merced is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,983 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,590 at West Coast University-Ontario. 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 West Coast University-Ontario?
Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and West Coast University-Ontario about $53,706. 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 West Coast University-Ontario?
University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $45,911 at West Coast University-Ontario. 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 West Coast University-Ontario?
University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 2,671 at West Coast University-Ontario.
Does University of California-Merced or West Coast University-Ontario have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Merced has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 50% at West Coast University-Ontario.
Do graduates of University of California-Merced or West Coast University-Ontario earn more?
West Coast University-Ontario alumni earn more on average: a median of about $102,672 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,368 for University of California-Merced. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Merced and West Coast University-Ontario require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. West Coast University-Ontario is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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