University of West Alabama vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL 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 West Alabama based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

University of West Alabama vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama ($13,690 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 61.6% lower than at University of California Merced ($8,230 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 42.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $4,633 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148% higher at UC Merced than at University of West Alabama (about $29,733 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $20,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at University of California Merced (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 202% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($27,292 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 60 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming UC Merced students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

University of West Alabama vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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 California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $6,590 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($19,899 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($205 vs. $273).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama 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.