National University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare National University in San Diego, CA with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

National University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (22,115 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• National 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: National University 16:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

National University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National 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 National University ($13,690 vs. $25,043).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of California Merced are 7.1% lower than at National University ($21,445 vs. $23,076).
• University of California Merced is 17.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than National University (about $2,339 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 275.1% higher at UC Merced than at National University (about $36,539 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at National University (89% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 167.6% larger than aid received by National University students ($27,292 vs. $10,200).

National University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• National 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: National University - Open admission; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

National University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National 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 $8,743 lower median loan debt than National University graduates ($19,899 vs. $28,642).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National University graduates ($205 vs. $296).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 50%)

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.