Central Washington University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Central Washington University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($13,690 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 23.2% lower than at University of California Merced ($16,480 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 65.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $6,206 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81% higher at UC Merced than at Central Washington University (about $22,297 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Central Washington University (89% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 209.6% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($27,292 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington University 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 Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 10 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming UC Merced students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than UC Merced (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Central Washington University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University 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 Central Washington University's (56%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $838 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($19,899 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central Washington University graduates ($205 vs. $214).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 60%)

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.