UC Merced vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California Merced in Merced, CA with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the People is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (41,961 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; University of the People 28:1.

UC Merced vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or University of the People? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the People than UC Merced ($1,575 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 90.7% lower than at University of California Merced ($2,001 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 1,015.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $14,223 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3,458.8% higher at UC Merced than at University of the People (about $48,423 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at University of the People (89% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 2,560% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($27,292 vs. $1,026).

UC Merced vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or University of the People? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of the People and UC Merced.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC Merced - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

UC Merced vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and University of the People? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.