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 9,282 students (41% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 9,282 students
In-state tuition: $1,138
Out-state tuition: $5,890
Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
Minority enrollment: 97%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Merced College has declined by 16% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has decreased from 18:1 over five years.
The Merced College diversity score of 0.59 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,282 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
3,779 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
5,503 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
746 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,779 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,503 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
9%
13%
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
60%
46%
% White
3%
5%
% Hawaiian
19%
24%
% Two or more races
6%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.59
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3463%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,900
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,138 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,890 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,138
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,890
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
84%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Merced College cost?
Merced College's tuition is approximately $1,138 for In-State students and $5,890 for Out-State students.
What is Merced College's ranking?
Merced College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Merced College is Modesto Junior College (36.6 miles away)
After being attacked by private colleges, community colleges are mounting a defense and publishing studies that clearly outline the differences between the public and private institutions.
Learn how President Obama, who is considered the "Community College President," has rightly earned his title based upon his proposed funding and support for community colleges throughout the country.
For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,236 per year for in-state students and $6,547 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $20,392 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
