Cal State Fullerton vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton 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 California State University Fullerton than UC Merced ($7,064 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Fullerton are 11% lower than at University of California Merced ($19,080 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 109.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $8,153 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.2% higher at UC Merced than at California State University Fullerton (about $29,753 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at California State University Fullerton (89% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 142.9% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($27,292 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or UC Merced? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC Merced and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 40 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming UC Merced students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UC Merced (3.55).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Cal State Fullerton (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Cal State Fullerton vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and UC Merced? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than California State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $4,899 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($15,000 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($155 vs. $205).
• More Cal State Fullerton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.