University of West Georgia vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

University of West Georgia is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (14,337 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Georgia is located in Carrollton, GA (Distant Town setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of West Georgia 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 Georgia 18:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

University of West Georgia vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Georgia 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 West Georgia than UC Merced ($12,913 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Georgia are 40.4% lower than at University of California Merced ($12,782 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 156.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Georgia (about $9,535 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $6,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 179.9% higher at UC Merced than at University of West Georgia (about $32,023 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $17,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Georgia than at University of California Merced (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 198.2% larger than aid received by University of West Georgia students ($27,292 vs. $9,151).

University of West Georgia vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Georgia (1050) is the same as at UC Merced (1050).
• Incoming UC Merced students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at University of West Georgia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Georgia 950/1140; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Georgia 17/22; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Georgia - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Georgia Jun 1, 2027; UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at University of West Georgia (3.31).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than University of West Georgia (51.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at University of West Georgia vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

University of West Georgia vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Georgia 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 Georgia's (39%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $5,101 lower median loan debt than University of West Georgia graduates ($19,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Georgia graduates ($205 vs. $258).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Georgia students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 45%)

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.