UC Merced vs. Homestead Schools

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Homestead Schools based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 158 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Homestead Schools is in Torrance, CA (Midsize City setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Homestead Schools is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Homestead Schools 15:1.

UC Merced vs. Homestead Schools Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Homestead Schools? 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 Homestead Schools ($13,690 vs. $15,962).
• In-state tuition differs between University of California Merced and Homestead Schools ($15,623.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UC Merced and Homestead Schools ($49,823.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Homestead Schools than at University of California Merced (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 448.6% larger than aid received by Homestead Schools students ($27,292 vs. $4,975).

UC Merced vs. Homestead Schools Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or Homestead Schools? 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 Homestead Schools and UC Merced.

• Homestead Schools 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; Homestead Schools - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

UC Merced vs. Homestead Schools Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Homestead Schools? 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, Homestead Schools graduates have a $2,827 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($17,072 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Homestead Schools graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($176 vs. $205).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Homestead Schools students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 36%)

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.