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UC Merced  /  Financial aid

Paying for UC Merced

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what UC Merced actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at UC Merced for families earning under $80,000 a year. UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers systemwide tuition/fees for CA residents with family income under $80k; Middle Class Scholarship extends partial aid up to $150k income; no loans required for lowest-income students.

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run UC Merced's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$8,572/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$9,581/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$11,594/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$17,323/yr after aid
$110k+$30,561/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$38,600
In-state tuition$14,312
Out-of-state tuition$44,066
Room & board$21,446
Average net price$13,232
Students on aid87%
Financial needDoes not meet full need for everyone
International studentsNo need-based aid for international students

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