UC Merced vs. Grace Mission University

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Grace Mission University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 301 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Grace Mission University is in Fullerton, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grace Mission University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Grace Mission University 19:1.

UC Merced vs. Grace Mission University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Grace Mission University? 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 University of California Merced are 2.9% lower than at Grace Mission University ($21,445 vs. $22,086).
• University of California Merced is 363.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grace Mission University (about $12,253 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $3,370.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,378.4% higher at UC Merced than at Grace Mission University (about $46,453 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $3,370.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Grace Mission University (89% vs. 0%).

UC Merced vs. Grace Mission University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or Grace Mission 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 Grace Mission University and UC Merced.

• Grace Mission 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; Grace Mission University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

UC Merced vs. Grace Mission University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Grace Mission 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).

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.