University of Redlands vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Redlands is located in Redlands, CA (Small City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Redlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Redlands 10:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

University of Redlands vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Redlands or UC Merced? 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 University of Redlands ($13,690 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 15.1% lower than at University of California Merced ($18,208 vs. $21,445).
• University of Redlands is 289.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Merced (about $45,255 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $15,623.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at University of Redlands than at University of California Merced (about $11,055 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $49,823.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at University of California Merced (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 76.4% larger than aid received by University of California Merced students ($48,134 vs. $27,292).

University of Redlands vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Redlands or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced and University of Redlands.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Redlands (1230) is 180 points higher than at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming University of Redlands students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at UC Merced).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 1107/1350; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Redlands 21/28; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Redlands - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Redlands students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at UC Merced (3.55).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than University of Redlands (82.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at University of Redlands vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

University of Redlands vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Redlands and UC Merced? 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).

• University of Redlands's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than University of California Merced's (58%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $8,601 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($19,899 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $89 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($205 vs. $294).
• More University of Redlands graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.