University of San Diego vs University of California-Merced
University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA, and University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. University of San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 69% at University of California-Merced. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $64,368 for University of California-Merced.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Diego, CA
Merced, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,671
8,372
Acceptance rate
52%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
960–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
19–24
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$11,983
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$39,665
In-state tuition
$59,486
$15,623
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$49,823
Application fee
$55
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$7,945
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$8,465
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$11,557
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$14,828
Over $110k
$46,989
$28,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
69%
Freshman retention
91%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$48,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$64,368
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$16,144
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
59%
First-generation students
25%
57%
International students
6%
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 University of San Diego or University of California-Merced harder to get into?
- University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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 San Diego 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. 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 San Diego and University of California-Merced?
- Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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 San Diego or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of San Diego or University of California-Merced?
- University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
- Does University of San Diego or University of California-Merced have a better graduation rate?
- University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 69% at University of California-Merced.
- Do graduates of University of San Diego or University of California-Merced earn more?
- University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 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 San Diego and University of California-Merced require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of California-Merced is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do University of San Diego and University of California-Merced look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1370 at University of San Diego 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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