Merced College
- Students are our focus at Merced College. We set high standards to encourage students to reach their potential in a nurturing environment. Merced College is a leader in innovative instruction and cultural activities. We value and respect all members of our community and diversity is a strength of our institution. We are known by the success of our students.
School Highlights
- Merced College serves 10,214 students (49% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 36:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
- Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 68%.
- Merced College is the only community colleges within Merced County, CA.
- The nearest community college to Merced College is Modesto Junior College (36.6 miles away).
Top Placements
Merced College places among the top 20% of community colleges in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Affordability Least expensive tuition
School Overview
- The teacher population of 280 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| Merced College | (CA) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 but less than 4 years |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 280 staff | 97 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 10,214 students | 7,516 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 36:1 | 44:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 4,956 students | 1,613 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 5,258 students | 5,903 students |
 |  | |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | - | - |
| % Asian | 13% | 13% |
| % Hispanic | 47% | 37% |
| % Black | 3% | 7% |
| % White | 29% | 32% |
| % Hawaiian | 1% | - |
| % Two or more races | 2% | 3% |
| % Non Resident races | 1% | 3% |
| % Unknown races | 4% | 5% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.68 | 0.73 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 19% | 29% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $29,900 | $34,600 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
School Notes
- Merced College was founded in 1962 and offers students the opportunity to obtain an associate degree, or to transfer academic credits to California State universities or the University of California. The College offers vocational certificates in various programs. Merced College serves all students who live in the college district. The Merced Community College District is composed of most of Merced County, the area of the Chowchilla Union High School District in Madera County, and the Dos Palos Joint Elementary School District. The Governing Board is made up of seven elected members. Merced College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is approved by the State Department of Education to train veterans under provisions of the G.I. Bill of Rights, and by the United States Immigration Service. The college offers a lower division program consisting of courses paralleling those of four-year colleges and universities, the credits for which are transferable to all other accredited colleges and universities.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Merced College is Modesto Junior College (36.6 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- 19,262 students | 36.60 Mi435 College Ave
Modesto, CA 95350
(209)575-6550 36.6019,262 - Kaplan College-ModestoPrivate, for profit429 students | 42.40 Mi5172 Kiernan Court
Salida, CA 95368
(209)543-7000 42.40429 - San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoPrivate, for profitn/a students | 42.80 Mi5380 Pirrone Rd
Salida, CA 95368
(209)543-8800 42.80n/a - 2,397 students | 48.10 Mi11600 Columbia College Dr
Sonora, CA 95370
(209)588-5100 48.102,397 - San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoPrivate, for profitn/a students | 51.90 Mi295 East Sierra Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710
(559)448-8282 51.90n/a
Recent Articles
We look at why millions of Americans are choosing community college over a traditional four-year school today.
Many students enroll in community college with the intent of transferring to a four-year school. Of those who do, many succeed, and yet traditional colleges and universities continue to overlook them. Read on to learn more about why more community college students don’t transfer schools and to receive some tips for making the transfer yourself.
Community college is the only option for many students who either can’t afford a traditional four-year university or who need a more flexible school environment. Just because community college is different, however, doesn’t mean that its students matter any less. The Aspen Prize exists to encourage community colleges to do more for their students and to continually strive for improvement.
