University of California, Merced Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic UC and campus-based scholarships
- Competitive and need-based awards worth exploring
- Honors and leadership perks that can stack with aid
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 3.50–4.03
- Middle 50% GPA (unweighted): 3.20–3.75
- Test Scores: Test-blind (UCs do not consider ACT/SAT)
Source: UC Merced Admissions Profile 2024–25 (Office of Undergraduate Admissions). Middle 50% = range of admitted freshmen.
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UC Merced at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
UC Merced offers one of the most affordable paths into the UC system—especially for in-state students who qualify for Cal Grants or the Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan, which can cover full tuition for many families. High-achieving students are automatically considered for Regents and Chancellor’s scholarships, adding extra recognition and support.
Use this guide to understand how UC Merced combines state, federal, and university-based aid to make a UC education accessible—particularly for first-generation and middle-income families applying by the November 30 UC deadline.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? UC Merced and all UC campuses are test-blind—ACT and SAT scores are not considered for admission or scholarships.
What is the middle 50% GPA? Weighted GPA: 3.50–4.03; Unweighted GPA: 3.20–3.75 (UCOP Freshman Profile 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? About $13,549/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No — UC Merced does not participate in WUE or regional reciprocity programs. Out-of-state students pay the full nonresident rate.
https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://honors.ucmerced.edu/
https://ucop.edu/undergraduate-admissions/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?445188-University-of-California-Merced
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-california-merced
💰 Cost of Attendance at UC Merced
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $16,054 | $53,656 |
| Housing & Meals (On-Campus) | $22,594 | $22,594 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $46,082 | $83,684 |
Additional estimated costs not billed by UC Merced: Books & supplies ($1,200), transportation ($1,200), and personal expenses ($1,400) — roughly $3,800 total in indirect costs.
FAQs about UC Merced Costs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
California residents who meet UC residency requirements or AB 540 eligibility for Dream Act students.
How much do most families really pay?
The majority of in-state students pay under $15,000 per year after Cal Grants and UC Blue & Gold aid are applied.
Are there any automatic scholarships?
Yes — Regents and Chancellor’s scholarships are automatically considered for admitted students, and most need-based aid is awarded through FAFSA or CADAA.
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/cost-attendance
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/
https://housing.ucmerced.edu/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?445188-University-of-California-Merced
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UC Merced offers a small but meaningful set of admission-based scholarships. These awards are automatic—no extra forms or essays—and can significantly lower the cost for strong California students and select nonresidents.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC Regents’ Scholarship | $7,000 per year (up to 4 years for freshmen) |
All admitted freshmen and transfers are automatically considered; ~top 2–3% | No | Yes (min. 3.25 GPA, 4 yrs freshmen / 2 yrs transfers) |
GPA 4.0+ (UC weighted), strong AP/IB, leadership, essays | Nov 30 (UC app deadline) |
| Fiat Lux Scholars Program | $100,000 guaranteed over 4 years (≈ $25,000 per year) (includes grants & scholarships) |
CA residents with ≥ 3.0 GPA, Pell & Cal Grant eligible, FAFSA/CADAA by priority deadline | No; invitation based on file | Yes (must remain Pell/Cal Grant eligible, full-time, continued participation) |
CA students with ~3.0–3.7 GPA, need-based (often first-gen/low-income) | Nov 30 (UC app); Mar 2 (FAFSA/CADAA) |
| Institutional Scholarships | Varies (often $1,000–$5,000 per year) | All incoming students submitting FAFSA/CADAA; GPA ≥ 3.25 required | No | Yes (must maintain ≥ 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment) |
Students in the 3.3–3.8 GPA range with complete aid filings | Mar 2 (FAFSA/CADAA) |
| MAAP Scholarship (Merced Automatic Admission Program) | $3,000 per year (renewable up to 4 years) |
MAAP-eligible high school seniors admitted to UC Merced; 3.0+ weighted UC GPA, meet A-Gs, apply via MAAP and UC | Yes (MAAP form + UC application) | Yes (full-time, continued MAAP/UC standards) | Local CA students who meet outreach partnership requirements and deadlines | Oct 15 (MAAP); Nov 30 (UC app) |
Ranges above are based on the latest published eligibility and renewal criteria, plus reported admit profiles. GPA/test score minimums are estimated where not officially disclosed.
FAQs about UC Merced Automatic Merit
Do I need to apply separately? No. Regents, Fiat Lux, and most Institutional scholarships are awarded automatically when you apply for admission and file the FAFSA or CADAA by March 2; MAAP requires a separate form.
Are test scores considered? No. The UC system is test-free for admission. These awards are based on GPA, coursework, essays, and financial aid eligibility.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes. Regents, Fiat Lux, Institutional, and MAAP scholarships can stack with need-based grants like the Blue & Gold Guarantee. Always confirm your final package with Financial Aid for award stacking policies.
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/types-scholarships
https://fiatlux.ucmerced.edu/
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/uc-regents-scholarship
https://admissions.ucmerced.edu/maap
https://catalog.ucmerced.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some UC campuses offer big competitive awards like “Presidential” or “Trustee” scholarships. UC Merced does not. The Regents’ Scholarship (already listed above) is the closest thing to a flagship merit award here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None at this time | — | — | — | — | UC Merced does not currently offer named competitive merit scholarships beyond Regents |
FAQs about UC Merced Competitive Scholarships
Does UC Merced have Presidential or Trustee awards? No. Regents is the top award, and the rest fall into hidden gem or departmental categories.
Should I still apply in ScholarshipUniverse? Yes. While not “competitive” in the flagship sense, ScholarshipUniverse houses dozens of smaller awards with their own requirements and deadlines.
Can these stack with Regents or Fiat Lux? Often yes, but stacking depends on the donor fund rules. Always check the specific award terms.
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/types-scholarships
https://financialaid.ucmerced.edu/uc-regents-scholarship
https://ucmerced.scholarshipuniverse.com/
https://catalog.ucmerced.edu/
🎖 Honors Program
As of 2025, UC Merced offers a growing University Honors Program (UHP). This selective, university-level program supplements the existing honors thesis/project tracks run by academic departments. UHP gives high-achieving students early access to research, faculty mentorship, academic seminars, and special community engagement opportunities.
For UHP: Admits and current first-years with strong curiosity, engagement, and ambition (no strict minimum GPA for entrance; most selectees have 3.7+ HS GPA and exceptional involvement). For departmental honors: 3.5+ GPA, undergraduate research, thesis or capstone, and campus leadership.
- Priority research and seminar access (UHP & departments)
- Faculty-mentored research/thesis projects and small honors seminars
- Professional/leadership development and special networking events
- Recognition at graduation and on official transcripts/diplomas
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Honors Program (UHP) | Recognition; special research, seminar, and experiential funding (no dedicated merit scholarship) | Incoming first-years and rising sophomores; no strict GPA cutoff (most selectees 3.7+ HS GPA, interest in research/engagement) | Yes — application opens late Dec for admits, Jan for current frosh | Yes — must meet UHP standards (min. 3.10 UC GPA, seminars, engagement) | Scholars with evidence of academic drive, mentoring, and community leadership | Priority: Feb 2, 2025 (rolling after until filled) |
| Departmental Honors (Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, etc.) | Recognition at graduation plus research/award eligibility | Major GPA typically ≥3.5, completion of honors thesis, project, or senior seminar; faculty recommendation | Yes — departmental invitation/application Jr/Sr year | One-time honor, appears at graduation | Upper-division students who demonstrate research skill and academic excellence | Spring of junior/senior year (varies by dept.) |
| Honors at Graduation (Latin Honors) | Recognition on diploma & transcript | Meet unit and GPA criteria: top 2% of each School for Highest Honors, next 4% for High Honors, next 10% for Honors; 50 UC units required (see catalog chart for annual thresholds) | No (automatic after final grades) | One-time, at graduation | Seniors at the very top of their class within each School | After final grades (June degree conferral) |
FAQs about UC Merced Honors
Is admission to UHP automatic? No. You must apply after admission (for new frosh) or in January (for rising sophomores). Cohorts are capped and selection is holistic, not based solely on GPA.
Does it add time to my degree? No. Most requirements (seminars, thesis, research) fit inside normal four-year degree plans.
Are there scholarships tied to honors? Not directly. UHP and departmental honors give access to research stipends and some donor awards, but do not guarantee additional automatic merit.
What’s the benefit? Priority for research, mentoring, and grad school prep, plus university distinction and transcript/diploma recognition.
https://honors.ucmerced.edu/admissions
https://honors.ucmerced.edu/eligibility
https://honors.ucmerced.edu/requirements
https://catalog.ucmerced.edu/
https://engineering.ucmerced.edu/academics/academic-honor
https://naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu/undergraduate/honors
https://registrar.ucmerced.edu/honors
⭐ College Specialties
UC Merced may be the newest UC campus, but it’s already making big waves. As an R1 research university—meaning “very high research activity”—it stands out especially in engineering, environmental and health sciences, and social mobility. It’s earned national recognition for being both innovative and deeply committed to access.
- Materials Engineering – Ranked **#91 nationally** in graduate programs (2025, U.S. News).
- Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering & Computer Science graduate group – Ranked **#99 nationally** (2025, U.S. News).
- Overall School of Engineering (graduate level) – Climbed to **#106**, up 18 spots in 2024-25 rankings.
- Physics Graduate Program – Jumped 25 spots to reach the top 100 in 2023-24.
- Applied Mathematics (Graduate) – Ranked **#125 nationally**.
- Social Mobility & National Impact – UC Merced is ranked **#1 in the nation for social mobility** (Wall Street Journal, 2024). Also, among the top 20 national universities overall.
- Money’s “Best Colleges in America” – Recognized in 2025 for excellence, affordability, and student success.