The College Monk

University of California-Merced — 2026

What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for University of California-Merced? See the latest score ranges, admission requirements, deadlines, and tips for

Expert Reviewed Written by

Published Apr 14, 2026 • Updated Apr 14, 2026 • 2 min read

Our Commitment to Accuracy — The College Monk's editorial team verifies all information against official university data and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Data is updated for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn about our editorial process.

University of California-Merced SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026

What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into University of California-Merced? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1020-1190, with an average of 1105. University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 66%, making it accessible. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.

Quick Facts

MetricValue
Acceptance Rate66%
SAT Score Range (25th-75th)1020 - 1190
Average SAT Score1105
ACT Score Range (25th-75th)19 - 27
Average ACT Score23
Average GPA3.51
Application Deadline30th Nov

SAT Score Requirements

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of California-Merced score between 1020 and 1190 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 1020, and 25% scored above 1190.

SAT Section25th Percentile75th Percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing510600
Math510590
Composite10201190

What SAT score do you need for University of California-Merced? To be competitive, aim for at least 1160. A score of 1190 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.

ACT Score Requirements

The middle 50% ACT composite score range at University of California-Merced is 19-27.

ACT Section25th Percentile75th Percentile
English1723
Math1824
Composite1927

GPA Requirements

The average GPA of admitted students at University of California-Merced is 3.51. You should aim for mostly A's with some B's to be a competitive applicant.

Application Deadlines

Deadline TypeDate
Regular Decision30th Nov

Cost Overview

Cost CategoryAmount
In-State Tuition$11,442
Out-of-State Tuition$42,530

Check Your Chances

Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at University of California-Merced. You can also view the full University of California-Merced profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average SAT score for University of California-Merced?
The average SAT score for admitted students at University of California-Merced is 1105.

What ACT score do I need for University of California-Merced?
The average ACT score is 23.

Is University of California-Merced hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 66%, University of California-Merced is accessible to students with solid academic records.

Free Weekly Newsletter

Never Miss a Deadline Again

Scholarship alerts, application tips, and FAFSA reminders delivered every Tuesday. Free, useful, no fluff.

Subscribe Free →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Key Takeaways

Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.

Want to boost your college admissions odds?

Explore our free tools: College Comparison and Admissions Calculator — built on data from 3,800+ universities.

Compare Colleges →Admissions Calculator →

📋 The College Planning Kit — $29.99

Application checklists, financial aid worksheets, comparison templates, and deadline trackers. Everything you need in one kit.

Get the Kit →

Recent Articles

Federal vs Private Student Loans in 2026: Which to Borrow First (and Why Order Matters)

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Student Loans: The Difference Is Free Money

The Student Loan Grace Period: What It Buys You, and the Trap Hiding Inside It

Best US Cities for International Students 2026: Beyond NYC and Boston

How to Apply to College on a Budget: Fee Waivers, Free Tools, Smart Picks

Common App Essay Prompts 2026-2027: Reading Between the Lines

Explore More Resources

Browse ScholarshipsAthletic ScholarshipsStudent Loans GuideCompare CollegesBest Online CollegesAll Articles