Azusa Pacific University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Merced is larger than Azusa Pacific University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 6,272 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Azusa Pacific University is located in Azusa, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Azusa Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Azusa Pacific University 9:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Azusa Pacific University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Azusa Pacific University or UC Merced? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of California Merced than Azusa Pacific University ($13,690 vs. $26,143).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Azusa Pacific University are 50.1% lower than at University of California Merced ($10,704 vs. $21,445).
• Azusa Pacific University is 184.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Merced (about $28,835 more per year; $44,458.00 vs. $15,623.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at UC Merced than at Azusa Pacific University (about $5,365 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $44,458.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Azusa Pacific University than at University of California Merced (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Azusa Pacific University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by University of California Merced students ($30,504 vs. $27,292).

Azusa Pacific University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Azusa Pacific University or UC Merced? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC Merced and Azusa Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Azusa Pacific University (1110) is 60 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming Azusa Pacific University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 21 at UC Merced).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Azusa Pacific University 983/1238; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Azusa Pacific University 25/30; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Azusa Pacific University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Azusa Pacific University Jun 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Azusa Pacific University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at UC Merced (3.55).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Azusa Pacific University (88.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Azusa Pacific University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Azusa Pacific University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Azusa Pacific University and UC Merced? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Azusa Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of California Merced's (58%).
• Graduates from Azusa Pacific University have median earnings of about $54,200 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for UC Merced.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Azusa Pacific University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Azusa Pacific University graduates ($205 vs. $232).
• More Azusa Pacific University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.