UC Merced vs Kentucky
How UC Merced and Kentucky stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| UC Merced | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 95.1% | 93% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | Not reported | 1070-1290 |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Test-optional |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | KY |
| Sticker price (per year) | $38,600 | $29,816 |
| Average cost after aid | $13,232 | $17,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 2 |
- Kentucky is harder to get into than UC Merced (93% versus 95.1%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Merced is usually the cheaper option ($13,232 versus $17,200 per year on average).
- On testing, UC Merced is test-blind while Kentucky is test-optional.
- UC Merced asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), 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 Kentucky FAQ
Is UC Merced or Kentucky harder to get into?
Kentucky is harder to get into, admitting about 93% of applicants versus 95.1% at UC Merced.
Is UC Merced or Kentucky cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Merced is usually cheaper, about $13,232 per year on average versus $17,200 at Kentucky.
See your real chances at UC Merced and Kentucky.
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