UC Merced vs. Pathways College

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Pathways College based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Merced is located in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Pathways College is in Phoenix, California (Midsize City setting).
• University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pathways College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Merced 20:1; Pathways College 7:1.

UC Merced vs. Pathways College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Merced or Pathways College? 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 9.6% lower than at Pathways College ($21,445 vs. $23,712).
• University of California Merced is 152.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pathways College (about $9,443 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 706.2% higher at UC Merced than at Pathways College (about $43,643 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $6,180.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Pathways College (89% vs. 0%).

UC Merced vs. Pathways College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Merced or Pathways College? 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 Pathways College and UC Merced.

• 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; Pathways College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

UC Merced vs. Pathways College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Merced and Pathways College? 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.