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University of California-Merced and California State University-Chico are both public institutions — University of California-Merced in Merced, CA and California State University-Chico in Chico, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Merced, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,372
Tuition: $49,823/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.7%
Top programs: Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Merced, CA with published program strength in Engineering and Psychology.
Chico, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 92.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 13,631
Tuition: $21,072/year
Student-faculty ratio: 23.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Chico, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | University of California-Merced | California State University-Chico |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 92.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,372 | 13,631 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $49,823/year | $21,072/year |
| Average net price after aid | $11,983 | $14,480 |
| Graduation rate | 68.7% | 62.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,368 | $64,172 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 20.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Merced, CA | Chico, CA |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (90.5% vs 92.7%). University of California-Merced has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,983 vs $14,480). University of California-Merced reports the higher graduation rate (68.7% vs 62.8%). California State University-Chico is the larger undergraduate campus (13,631 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-Merced and California State University-Chico
University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 90.5%; California State University-Chico is around 92.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Merced tuition is $49,823/year. California State University-Chico is $21,072/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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