UC Merced vs Kansas
How UC Merced and Kansas stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| UC Merced | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 95.1% | 88% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | Not reported | 1050-1290 |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Test-optional |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | KS |
| Sticker price (per year) | $38,600 | $27,068 |
| Average cost after aid | $13,232 | $15,800 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 1 |
- Kansas is harder to get into than UC Merced (88% versus 95.1%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Merced is usually the cheaper option ($13,232 versus $15,800 per year on average).
- On testing, UC Merced is test-blind while Kansas is test-optional.
- UC Merced asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), 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.
UC Merced vs Kansas FAQ
Is UC Merced or Kansas harder to get into?
Kansas is harder to get into, admitting about 88% of applicants versus 95.1% at UC Merced.
Is UC Merced or Kansas cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Merced is usually cheaper, about $13,232 per year on average versus $15,800 at Kansas.
See your real chances at UC Merced and Kansas.
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