College Costs in Merced, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Merced, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$2,439
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Merced Overview
Population
83,982
Student Population
5,646 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
159.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Merced
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$123,092
Total After Financial Aid
$123,092
Annual Cost
$30,773
Annual After Aid
$30,773
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $123,092 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,398 |
| Total Interest | $44,630 |
| Total Loan Cost | $167,722 |
Universities in Merced
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Merced State University | Public | $14,321 |
| Merced Community College | Community | $6,761 |
Merced has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Merced vs. National Average
| Category | Merced | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $2,439 | $1,050 | +$1,389 |
| Cost of Living Index | 159.5 | 100 | +59.5 |
Merced's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Merced
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,646 students
Merced has a total population of 83,982, with approximately 5,646 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Merced offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Merced
$55,634
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Merced earn a median starting salary of $55,634, which is $20,634 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $123,092 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,939 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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