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West Coast University-Los Angeles vs University of California-Merced

West Coast University-Los Angeles is a private for-profit university in North Hollywood, CA. University of California-Merced is a public university in Merced, CA. University of California-Merced admits about 91% of applicants and West Coast University-Los Angeles about 92%, making University of California-Merced 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 $53,020 at West Coast University-Los Angeles. About 69% of students graduate at University of California-Merced, compared with 47% at West Coast University-Los Angeles. Ten years after enrolling, West Coast University-Los Angeles alumni earn a median of about $102,672, against $64,368 for University of California-Merced.

West Coast University-Los Angeles

North Hollywood, CA · Private (for-profit)

University of California-Merced

Merced, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
North Hollywood, CA
Merced, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,673
8,372
Acceptance rate
92%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
960–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–24
Test policy
Not reported
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$53,020
$11,983
Full cost / yr
$55,938
$39,665
In-state tuition
$36,854
$15,623
Out-of-state tuition
$36,854
$49,823
Application fee
Not reported
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$49,093
$7,945
$30k - $48k
$50,493
$8,465
$48k - $75k
$54,788
$11,557
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$14,828
Over $110k
$55,938
$28,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
69%
Freshman retention
100%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$96,114
$48,475
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,672
$64,368
Median debt at graduation
$32,946
$16,144
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
59%
First-generation students
40%
57%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is West Coast University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced harder to get into?
University of California-Merced is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 92% at West Coast University-Los Angeles. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, West Coast University-Los Angeles 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 $53,020 at West Coast University-Los Angeles. 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 West Coast University-Los Angeles and University of California-Merced?
Before aid, University of California-Merced costs about $39,665 a year and West Coast University-Los Angeles about $55,938. 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, West Coast University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,945 there, against about $49,093 at West Coast University-Los Angeles. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, West Coast University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced is the larger of the two, with about 8,372 undergraduates against 2,673 at West Coast University-Los Angeles.
Does West Coast University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Merced has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 47% at West Coast University-Los Angeles.
Do graduates of West Coast University-Los Angeles or University of California-Merced earn more?
West Coast University-Los Angeles 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.

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