Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC Davis vs University of California-Merced

Davis, CA · Merced, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

UC DavisUniversity of California-Merced
Acceptance Rate41.6%39.2%
In-State Tuition$15,247$14,167
Out-of-State Tuition$46,024$44,944
Average Net Price$17,315$13,232
Graduation Rate85.0%69.0%

GradFax Analysis

UC Davis accepts 41.6% of applicants. University of California-Merced accepts 39.2%. Tuition is close: $15,247 at UC Davis, $14,167 at University of California-Merced. UC Davis graduates 85% of students in 6 years. University of California-Merced graduates 69%.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $17,315/year at UC Davis and $13,232/year at University of California-Merced. University of California-Merced is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UC Davis profileUniversity of California-Merced profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UC Davis or University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced. It accepts 39.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UC Davis or University of California-Merced more affordable?

University of California-Merced, on average. After aid, students pay $13,232/year versus $17,315/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC Davis: 85% 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.

UC Davis vs University of California-Merced: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax