Awarded to top admitted students; no extra application
Typical Qualifiers
Top 10% of admits; GPA 3.8+, strong essays, service/leadership
Holistic review—grades, PIQs, and activities all matter
Testing Policy
Test-blind (no ACT/SAT considered)
UCs do not use standardized tests for admissions or aid
Key Deadlines
UC Application: Nov 30 • FAFSA/CADAA: Mar 2
Apply by UC deadline for full consideration
Honors College
UC Merced Honors Program
Perks: early research access, priority registration, faculty mentorship
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Not offered university-wide
Stacking Cal Grants + Blue & Gold covers full tuition for many CA families
Residency & Waivers
In-state: Blue & Gold + Cal Grant • OOS: WUE not available
UCs don’t participate in WUE; nonresident tuition applies
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.
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
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.
Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $13,500–$14,300 per year after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data (2022–23).
Reciprocity or Regional Discounts: UC Merced does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or other regional tuition programs. Out-of-state students pay the full nonresident supplement. However, many receive substantial need-based aid and federal grants that reduce overall 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.
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.
Before assuming “automatic merit,” see how UC financial aid actually works across campuses — including need-based aid, competitive awards, and common parent surprises.
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%
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.
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
At UC Merced, most “extra” scholarships are donor- or department-based and housed in the ScholarshipUniverse system. We cover those under 💎 Hidden Gems since they’re more like niche or identity-based opportunities than large, campus-wide competitions.
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.
UC Merced doesn’t have a long list of big-name competitive awards, but there are plenty of “hidden gem” scholarships tucked away in the ScholarshipUniverse system and through campus partners. These tend to be donor-funded, identity-based, or tied to majors and student involvement. For the right student, they can add meaningful extra dollars on top of Regents or Fiat Lux.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Donor-Funded Scholarships (ScholarshipUniverse)
$500–$5,000/year
Admitted or continuing students, must fit donor profile (major, GPA, service, need, etc.)
Yes — ScholarshipUniverse portal
Some (donor terms)
Students with GPA ≥ 3.3 matching major/service/donor criteria
March 2 (FAFSA/CA Dream Act; app window opens Feb 1)
First-Gen/Identity-Based Awards
$1,000–$3,000/year
First-gen, BIPOC, women in STEM, or identity-group students; FAFSA/CADAA required
Yes — ScholarshipUniverse or dept
Sometimes (GPA renewal)
First-gen/URM students active in campus orgs or mentoring
March 2 (FAFSA/CA Dream Act)
Departmental/Major Scholarships
$500–$2,500/year
Students in select fields (engineering, natural/social sciences, public health)
Yes — dept or ScholarshipUniverse
Depends on dept
Upper-division students with high GPA & campus involvement
March 2 (most dept/ScholarshipUniverse cycles)
University Friends Circle / Student Org Awards
$500–$1,500
Active in service or multicultural student orgs
Yes — through Social Justice/Identity Programs
Varies
Service leaders involved in community/multicultural orgs
March 1 (UFC annual nomination portal)
ROTC Scholarships
Full tuition + stipend
Students joining Army/Air Force ROTC; fitness & service required
Yes — via ROTC board/app
Yes (if maintain all standards)
Students with strong fitness, GPA, and military intent
Army: Oct–Mar multiple board dates
FAQs about UC Merced Hidden Gems
Where do I find these? Most are inside the ScholarshipUniverse portal, but some (like University Friends Circle or multicultural org grants) are run directly through campus offices.
Do I need to reapply every year? Yes. Even renewable scholarships usually require you to log in and confirm eligibility annually.
Can I stack hidden gems with Regents or Fiat Lux? Yes, in most cases. These are usually smaller add-ons that stack with your main award package.
When should I apply? ScholarshipUniverse opens Feb 1, and most awards align with the March 2 FAFSA/CADAA deadline. Student org grants may follow their own calendar.
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.
What a Typical UC Merced Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks of UC Merced Honors Pathways:
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
Scholars with evidence of academic drive, mentoring, and community leadership
Priority: Feb 2 (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.
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.
Flagship Program: Graduate-level **Environmental Systems / Environmental Health Engineering** ranked **#85 nationally** in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
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.
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.
UC Merced may be the newest UC campus, but it’s quickly building a reputation as a serious research university with a strong commitment to access. Families will find clear automatic aid like Regents and Fiat Lux, smaller hidden-gem awards through ScholarshipUniverse, and statewide recognition for social mobility. If your student is considering the University of California system, Merced can be an affordable entry point that still offers the prestige and opportunity of an R1 campus.
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