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 table 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.

Loma Linda University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of California Merced and Loma Linda University ($15,623.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UC Merced and Loma Linda University ($49,823.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Loma Linda University (89% vs. 0%).

Loma Linda University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loma Linda University or UC Merced? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC Merced and Loma Linda University.

• Loma Linda University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresUniversity of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresUniversity of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loma Linda University - Open admission; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

Loma Linda University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loma Linda University and UC Merced? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate is 58%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Loma Linda University.
• Graduates from Loma Linda University have median earnings of about $92,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for UC Merced.
• 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 https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.