- 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 9,282 students (41% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 9,282 students
- In-state tuition: $1,138
- Out-state tuition: $5,890
- Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- 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 618 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Merced College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
618 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Merced College has declined by 16% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has decreased from 18:1 over five years.
The Merced College diversity score of 0.59 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has declined by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,282 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
3,779 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
5,503 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
746 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,779 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,503 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
9%
13%
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
60%
46%
% White
3%
5%
% Hawaiian
19%
24%
% Two or more races
6%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.59
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3463%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,900
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,138 is less than the state average of $1,236. 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 $6,547. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,138
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,890
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
84%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (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.
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 Merced College's ranking?
Merced College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition.
Recent Articles
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
The article explores how community colleges are utilizing Labor Department grants, particularly the TAACCCT program, to develop workforce training programs. It highlights various initiatives across different states, focusing on industry-specific training and skill development in emerging sectors.
For-Profit Universities Looking to Partner with Community Colleges
This article examines the trend of for-profit universities, particularly the University of Phoenix, seeking partnerships with community colleges. It discusses the potential benefits and controversies surrounding these collaborations, focusing on transfer agreements and workforce training programs.
New Analysis Shows How California Community Colleges Could Cut Millions in Spending
The article discusses a California Watch analysis revealing potential savings in California's community college system through administrative consolidation. It explores the implications of such cost-cutting measures and the challenges in implementing them within the state's education system.