UC Merced vs. Los Angeles Pacific University

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Los Angeles Pacific University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Los Angeles Pacific University is in San Dimas, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Los Angeles Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Los Angeles Pacific University 24:1.

UC Merced vs. Los Angeles Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Los Angeles Pacific 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 Los Angeles Pacific University ($13,690 vs. $22,498).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Los Angeles Pacific University are 8.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($19,632 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 26.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Los Angeles Pacific University (about $3,263 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $12,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 303.1% higher at UC Merced than at Los Angeles Pacific University (about $37,463 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $12,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Los Angeles Pacific University than at University of California Merced (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 253% larger than aid received by Los Angeles Pacific University students ($27,292 vs. $7,732).

UC Merced vs. Los Angeles Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or Los Angeles Pacific 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 Los Angeles Pacific University and UC Merced.

• Los Angeles Pacific University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC Merced - Test-free; Los Angeles Pacific University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

UC Merced vs. Los Angeles Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Los Angeles Pacific 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, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Los Angeles Pacific University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Los Angeles Pacific University graduates ($205 vs. $232).
• More Los Angeles Pacific University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.