Fresno Pacific University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, 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 Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fresno Pacific University is located in Fresno, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Fresno 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: Fresno Pacific University 10:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Fresno Pacific University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fresno 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 Fresno Pacific University ($13,690 vs. $15,261).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 52.4% lower than at University of California Merced ($10,210 vs. $21,445).
• Fresno Pacific University is 134.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Merced (about $21,037 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $15,623.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at UC Merced than at Fresno Pacific University (about $13,163 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $36,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at University of California Merced (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 8.5% larger than aid received by University of California Merced students ($29,616 vs. $27,292).

Fresno Pacific University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fresno Pacific 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 Fresno Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fresno Pacific University (1110) is 60 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 Fresno Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fresno Pacific University 970/1240; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fresno Pacific University 17/24; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fresno Pacific University - Test-free; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Fresno Pacific University (3.54).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Fresno Pacific University (64.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Fresno Pacific University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fresno Pacific 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 Fresno Pacific University's (50%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $1,601 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($19,899 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($205 vs. $222).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 53%)

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.