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 10,995 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 39:1 is lower than the state community college average of 45:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 75%.
Top Rankings
Merced College ranks 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 declined by 18% over five years.
| Merced College | (CA) Community College Avg. | |
| Carnegie Classification | Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Traditional | Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Vocational & Technical-High Traditional |
| 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 | 149 staff |
Source: 2019 (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
- 17,908 students | 36.60 Mi435 College Ave
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 575-6550 36.6017,908 - San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoPrivate, for profit257 students | 43.00 Mi5380 Pirrone Rd
Salida, CA 95368
(209) 543-8800 43.00257 - 2,496 students | 48.10 Mi11600 Columbia College Dr
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 588-5100 48.102,496 - Clovis Community CollegePublic7,765 students | 51.50 Mi10309 North Willow Avenue
Fresno, CA 93730
(559) 325-5200 51.507,765 - San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoPrivate, for profit539 students | 51.70 Mi295 East Sierra Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 448-8282 51.70539
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