Pacific States University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific States University in Los Angeles, 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 Pacific States University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 101 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific States University is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Pacific States 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: Pacific States University 12:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Pacific States University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pacific States 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 Pacific States University are 19.8% lower than at University of California Merced ($17,200 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 53.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pacific States University (about $5,464 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $10,159.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 390.4% higher at UC Merced than at Pacific States University (about $39,664 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $10,159.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Pacific States University (89% vs. 0%).

Pacific States University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pacific States 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 Pacific States University.

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

Pacific States University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pacific States 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.

• Pacific States University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of California Merced's (58%).

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.