Golden Gate University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, 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 Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Golden Gate 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: Golden Gate University 7:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Golden Gate University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 38.4% lower than at University of California Merced ($13,200 vs. $21,445).
• Golden Gate University is 98.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Merced (about $15,365 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $15,623.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.8% higher at UC Merced than at Golden Gate University (about $18,835 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Golden Gate University (89% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

Golden Gate University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $9,940 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($19,899 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($205 vs. $308).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 57%)

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.