UC Merced vs. Augusta University

Comparable Facts

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

Augusta University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (10,900 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Augusta University is in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Augusta University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Augusta University 16:1.

UC Merced vs. Augusta University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Augusta University? 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 Augusta University ($13,690 vs. $13,976).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augusta University are 42.2% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,404 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 85.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augusta University (about $7,209 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $8,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.4% higher at UC Merced than at Augusta University (about $25,089 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $24,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augusta University than at University of California Merced (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 186.2% larger than aid received by Augusta University students ($27,292 vs. $9,536).

UC Merced vs. Augusta University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or Augusta University? 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 Augusta University and UC Merced.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augusta University (1060) is 10 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming UC Merced students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Augusta University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 960/1140; Augusta University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 19/24; Augusta University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC Merced - Test-free; Augusta University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026; Augusta University Jul 1, 2027.
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Augusta University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.2% at UC Merced vs. 25.1% at Augusta University.

UC Merced vs. Augusta University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Augusta University? 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, Augusta University graduates have a $4,899 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($15,000 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Augusta University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($155 vs. $205).
• More Augusta University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.