Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

San Diego State University vs University of California-Merced

San Diego, CA · Merced, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

San Diego State UniversityUniversity of California-Merced
Acceptance Rate36.2%90.5%
In-State Tuition$8,728$15,623
Out-of-State Tuition$21,328$49,823
Average Net Price$14,704$13,690
Graduation Rate76.0%69.0%
Total Enrollment41,1379,110
Student-Faculty Ratio2720

GradFax Analysis

San Diego State University accepts 36.2% of applicants. University of California-Merced accepts 90.5%. San Diego State University's in-state tuition is $8,728. University of California-Merced's is $15,623. San Diego State University is cheaper. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students in 6 years. University of California-Merced graduates 69%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →San Diego State University profileUniversity of California-Merced profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, San Diego State University or University of California-Merced?

San Diego State University. It accepts 36.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is San Diego State University or University of California-Merced more affordable?

University of California-Merced, on average. After aid, students pay $13,690/year versus $14,704/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

San Diego State University: 76% of students finish in 6 years. University of California-Merced is at 69%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.