The University of California, Merced (UC Merced), located in Merced, California, is one of the newest campuses in the prestigious UC system. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UC Merced reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 89.5%, reflecting its role as a more accessible option within the UC system. This rate is influenced by factors such as a growing applicant pool, increasing interest in the campus due to its innovative programs, and the university's commitment to serving first-generation and underrepresented students. UC Merced provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and the University of California system's annual reports, offering prospective students reliable data to understand their chances of admission.
Over the past few years, UC Merced's acceptance rate has shown a gradual decline in selectivity as the university gains recognition and attracts a larger, more diverse applicant pool. While it remains one of the less competitive UC campuses compared to peers like UCLA or UC Berkeley, which boast acceptance rates below 20%, UC Merced's growing popularity suggests a trend toward increased competitiveness in future cycles. The university's focus on accessibility and student diversity continues to shape its admissions policies, often resulting in higher acceptance rates than other UC schools. Prospective students can explore detailed statistics and historical data on the official UC Merced admissions website at admissions.ucmerced.edu for further insights into past trends and application requirements.
