Saginaw Valley State University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI 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 Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saginaw Valley State University is located in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saginaw Valley State University 16:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Saginaw Valley State University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than UC Merced ($11,546 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saginaw Valley State University are 42.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,340 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $2,693 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.6% higher at UC Merced than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $19,373 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at University of California Merced (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 102% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($27,292 vs. $13,512).

Saginaw Valley State University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is the same as at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at UC Merced).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saginaw Valley State University 18/26; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Saginaw Valley State University (3.48).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16% at Saginaw Valley State University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Saginaw Valley State University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saginaw Valley State 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $7,101 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($19,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($205 vs. $279).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 48%)

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.