ASU vs UC Merced
How ASU and UC Merced stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| ASU | UC Merced | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90% | 95.1% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1120-1330 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | AZ | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $29,428 | $38,600 |
| Average cost after aid | $14,800 | $13,232 |
| Supplemental essays | 3 | 4 |
- ASU is harder to get into than UC Merced (90% versus 95.1%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Merced is usually the cheaper option ($13,232 versus $14,800 per year on average).
- On testing, ASU is test-optional while UC Merced is test-blind.
- UC Merced asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 3), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
ASU vs UC Merced FAQ
Is ASU or UC Merced harder to get into?
ASU is harder to get into, admitting about 90% of applicants versus 95.1% at UC Merced.
Is ASU or UC Merced cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Merced is usually cheaper, about $13,232 per year on average versus $14,800 at ASU.
See your real chances at ASU and UC Merced.
Build my college list