UC Merced vs. Horizon University

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Horizon University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 70 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Horizon University is in Indianapolis, CA (Large City setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Horizon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Horizon University 6:1.

UC Merced vs. Horizon University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Horizon 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 Horizon University ($13,690 vs. $22,285).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Horizon University are 43.5% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,120 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 58.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Horizon University (about $5,783 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 406.3% higher at UC Merced than at Horizon University (about $39,983 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Horizon University (89% vs. 14%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 269.1% larger than aid received by Horizon University students ($27,292 vs. $7,395).

UC Merced vs. Horizon University Admissions comparison

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

• Horizon 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; Horizon University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026; Horizon University Aug 29, 2027.

UC Merced vs. Horizon University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Horizon 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.