California State University-Fullerton vs University of California-Merced
5
California State University-Fullerton
2
University of California-Merced
Key Metrics Compared
Official Data| Metric | California State University-Fullerton | University of California-Merced |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 39% |
| Graduation Rate | 69% | 68% |
| Avg Earnings (5yr) | $48,558 | $48,475 |
| Median Debt | $13,750 | $16,144 |
| Tuition (In-State) | $7,073 | $14,167 |
| Retention Rate | 85% | 83% |
| Financial Aid | 22% | 32% |
Comparison Analysis
California State University-Fullerton and University of California-Merced have similar graduate earnings. Fullerton graduates earn $48,558, while Merced graduates earn $48,475. Fullerton has a higher graduation rate at 69.3% compared to Merced's 68.4%. However, Fullerton's tuition is $7,073, and Merced's tuition is $14,167. Fullerton has a significantly higher acceptance rate of 86.7% compared to Merced's 39.2%.
Fullerton wins on graduation rate, tuition cost, and acceptance rate. Merced's lower acceptance rate indicates it is more selective.
The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. Students prioritizing lower tuition and a higher chance of acceptance may prefer Fullerton. Students prioritizing selectivity may prefer Merced.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Shared Programs
| Shared Major | California State University-Fullerton Earnings | University of California-Merced Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,256 | $46,378 |
| Psychology, General | $27,965 | $28,669 |
| Psychology, General | $27,965 | $0 |
| Psychology, General | $27,965 | $0 |
| Biology, General | $0 | $36,140 |
| Sociology | $34,714 | $37,092 |
| Sociology | $34,714 | $0 |
| Sociology | $34,714 | $0 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65,252 | $67,096 |
| Biology, General | $67,422 | $36,140 |