Loma Linda University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

University of California Merced is larger than Loma Linda University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 4,210 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loma Linda University is located in Loma Linda, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Loma Linda 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: Loma Linda University 3:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Cost details

• Out-of-state tuition differs between UC Merced and Loma Linda University ($49,823 vs. $0).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Loma Linda University (89% vs. 0%).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are open admission at Loma Linda University, test-free at UC Merced.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Loma Linda University graduates have a $359 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($19,540 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Loma Linda University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($202 vs. $205).
• More Loma Linda University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation (82% vs. 64%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.