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Merced College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate67.8%

Merced College’s low in-state tuition makes access the headline, but the 63% freshman retention rate means your real goal is starting strong once you enroll. With a 67.8% acceptance rate and test-optional policy, focus on completing requirements, choosing the right placement path, and building study habits for college-level work.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Merced College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Merced College enrolls 12,472 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. Merced College has a freshman retention rate of 63%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 28:1.

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Location

Merced, CA

Undergrad Enrollment12,472

Freshman Retention63%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio28:1

Graduation RateN/A

Test PolicyTest-optional

Key Merced College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to Merced College, plan your first test by spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. Since Merced College does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use the regular application deadline for your intended term to decide which fall retake is the last one likely to arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Merced College is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,104 and out-of-state tuition of $8,424. To be considered for financial aid, submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.

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In-State Tuition$1,104

Room and Board$19,432

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application FeeN/A

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

For students paying out-of-state rates, Merced College lists tuition at $8,424, while in-state tuition is $1,104. Room and board is estimated at $19,432, making housing and living costs a major part of the overall budget. Actual costs can vary depending on course load, living arrangements, and financial need.

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