UC Riverside vs UC Merced

Nestled in the heart of California, University of California-Riverside (UCR) and University of California-Merced (UCM) stand as two distinct academic havens, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share the UC system's commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UCR boasts a higher acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a wider range of popular majors, including engineering, business, and psychology. UCM, on the other hand, offers a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes and a focus on undergraduate research opportunities. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of California-Merced	University of California-Riverside
Overview
Location	Merced, California	Riverside, California
Campus setting	Rural: Fringe	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	79.0%	88.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	86.6%	65.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	27,793	52,672
Total number of admissions given out	24,068	34,437
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,410	5,203
Yield rate	10.0%	15.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,870 Out of state: $58,624	In state: $32,312 Out of state: $62,066
Average net price	$11,586	$13,502
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196
Room & board	$18,901	$16,600
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $21,623	78.0% Average amount $18,676
Students receiving federal student loan	18.0% Average amount $4,470	28.0% Average amount $4,703
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $2,687	2.0% Average amount $8,151

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,321 Men 47.7% Women 52.3%	22,868 Men 47.0% Women 53.0%
Graduate students	772 Men 55.8% Women 44.2%	3,979 Men 53.8% Women 46.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.2%	0.8%
International students	8.7%	8.1%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,634	8,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Alaska Idaho Missouri Texas	California Nevada Florida Arizona New Mexico

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Physical Science Social Sciences English Language and Literature Psychology	Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.6%	76.5%
Dropout rate	5.0%	6.2%
Transferred out	22.6%	16.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,675 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $68,164 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,936 Year 2: $51,392 Year 3: $67,761 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,771 Year 2: $43,000 Year 3: $57,642 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,420 Year 2: $39,729 Year 3: $53,045 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,245 Year 2: $41,937 Year 3: $50,288 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,755 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $49,047 Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,917 Year 2: $38,721 Year 3: $47,958 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,685 Year 2: $31,391 Year 3: $43,274 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,397 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $42,368 Cognitive Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,909 Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $40,928	Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $85,748 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,571 Year 2: $69,617 Year 3: $84,080 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,838 Year 3: $81,740 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,399 Year 2: $66,076 Year 3: $80,825 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,188 Year 2: $59,912 Year 3: $68,240 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,114 Year 2: $60,320 Year 3: $67,946 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,484 Year 2: $49,464 Year 3: $66,365 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,049 Year 2: $58,568 Year 3: $64,438 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,664 Year 2: $49,214 Year 3: $63,844 Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,269 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $59,823

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UC Riverside (UCR) and UC Merced (UCM)?

UC Riverside and UC Merced, while both part of the University of California system, differ significantly in size, location, and academic focus. UCR is a larger, more established campus located in a metropolitan area with a broader range of academic programs and research opportunities. UC Merced is a smaller, newer campus located in a more rural setting, with a stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary research and a more intimate campus environment. UCR generally has a higher acceptance rate than some of the more competitive UCs, but lower than UC Merced. UC Merced is known for its commitment to sustainability and serving the Central Valley, while UCR has a strong reputation in areas like entomology and citrus research.
Which UC is better for students interested in STEM fields?

Both UCR and UC Merced offer strong STEM programs, but their strengths differ. UCR has well-established engineering programs and a strong reputation in areas like computer science and bioengineering. UC Merced, being a newer campus, has invested heavily in cutting-edge research facilities and interdisciplinary STEM programs, particularly in areas like environmental engineering and materials science. The 'better' choice depends on your specific STEM interest and preferred learning environment. Consider researching specific faculty and research labs in your area of interest at both universities.
How do the campus cultures compare between UCR and UC Merced?

UCR has a more diverse and urban campus culture, reflecting its location in a large metropolitan area. It offers a wider range of student organizations and activities. UC Merced has a more close-knit and community-oriented campus culture, fostered by its smaller size and more rural location. Students at UC Merced often describe a strong sense of belonging and a collaborative atmosphere. UCR's larger size can offer more anonymity, while UC Merced's smaller size can lead to more personal connections with faculty and peers.
What are the differences in cost of attendance between UCR and UC Merced?

The cost of attendance at UCR and UC Merced is generally comparable, as they are both part of the UC system. Tuition and fees are the same for all UC campuses. However, the overall cost can vary depending on factors like housing choices, meal plans, and personal expenses. Living expenses in Riverside might be slightly higher than in Merced, but this can depend on individual spending habits. Be sure to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost of attendance information and financial aid opportunities.
Which university is easier to get into: UCR or UC Merced?

Historically, UC Merced has had a slightly higher acceptance rate than UC Riverside, making it generally considered easier to get into. However, admission competitiveness can fluctuate from year to year based on the applicant pool. Both universities consider a range of factors in their admissions process, including GPA, test scores (if applicable), essays, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated interest. Focus on presenting a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and personal qualities, regardless of which university you are applying to.
How do the locations of UCR and UC Merced impact student life?

UCR is located in Riverside, a large city in Southern California, offering access to a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and job opportunities. Students at UCR can easily explore nearby cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. UC Merced is located in Merced, a smaller city in California's Central Valley. The location offers a more relaxed and nature-focused environment, with easy access to Yosemite National Park and other outdoor recreation areas. Student life at UC Merced tends to be more campus-centric, with a strong emphasis on community building and outdoor activities.
What are the strengths of UCR's academic programs?

UCR is known for its strong programs in entomology, citrus research, plant sciences, and creative writing. It also has well-regarded programs in engineering, computer science, and business. UCR's School of Medicine is also growing in prominence. The university's established history and large faculty provide a wide range of research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
What are the strengths of UC Merced's academic programs?

UC Merced is known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on sustainability. It has strong programs in environmental engineering, materials science, and public health. The university's commitment to serving the Central Valley is reflected in its research and outreach efforts. UC Merced's smaller size allows for more personalized attention from faculty and greater opportunities for undergraduate research.
How do the career services compare at UCR and UC Merced?

Both UCR and UC Merced offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UCR's career center benefits from its location in a larger metropolitan area, providing access to a wider range of employers and internship opportunities. UC Merced's career services are tailored to the needs of its students and the local job market, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in the Central Valley and beyond. Both universities offer workshops, career fairs, and individual advising to support students in their career goals.
Which UC is better for students who want a smaller, more intimate campus environment?

UC Merced is generally considered the better choice for students who prefer a smaller, more intimate campus environment. Its smaller student body and more rural location foster a strong sense of community and close relationships between students and faculty. UCR, while still offering a supportive environment, has a larger student body and a more diverse campus culture, which may appeal to students who prefer a more anonymous or independent experience.

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