Lincoln University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Lincoln University in Oakland, 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 Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lincoln University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lincoln 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: Lincoln University 15:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Lincoln University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University are 60.8% lower than at University of California Merced ($8,400 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University (about $2,473 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 278.9% higher at UC Merced than at Lincoln University (about $36,673 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Lincoln University (89% vs. 0%).

Lincoln University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Lincoln University - Open admission; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lincoln University Jul 13, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.95 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Lincoln University (2.6).

Lincoln University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lincoln 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than University of California Merced's (58%).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 51%)

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.