Merced College

3600 M St
Merced, CA 95348
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • 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 12,472 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 41:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 12,472 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,138
  • Out-state tuition: $5,890
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 41:1
  • Minority enrollment: 82%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Merced College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Affordability

School Overview

The teacher population of 302 teachers has declined by 51% over five years.
Merced College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1962
Total Faculty
302 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
Students are our focus and we are known by their success.

Student Body

The student population of Merced College has grown by 17% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 41:1 has increased from 18:1 over five years.
The Merced College diversity score of 0.55 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,472 students
6,838 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
41:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
4,985 students
1,022 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
7,487 students
5,816 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
12,472 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,985 students
967 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,487 students
5,850 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
8%
12%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Hispanic
64%
46%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
4%
7%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
18%
23%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Unknown races
1%
6%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.71

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
42%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,900
$34,300

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $1,138 is less than the state average of $1,238. 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 $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,138
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,890
$6,634
Tuition Notes
$46.00 per unit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
85%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Acceptance Rate
52%
82%

Sports

School Mascot
Blue Devil
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

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 the acceptance rate of Merced College?
The acceptance rate of Merced College is 52%, which is lower than the state average of 82%. Merced College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Merced College's ranking?
Merced College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition and Lowest acceptance rates.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 12,472 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,138
  • Out-state tuition: $5,890
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 41:1
  • Minority enrollment: 82%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

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