Hey, I'm a high school junior thinking about applying to UC Merced. I'd like to get a sense of how much the tuition is, and if there are any other significant costs I should be aware of (housing, meal plans, etc.). Can anyone help me out?
Hi there! The University of California (UC) system has a similar tuition and fee structure across its campuses, including UC Merced. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students are about $15,556. For out-of-state students, it's around $49,756. Keep in mind that these costs may change slightly each year.
As for other expenses, your biggest additional costs would likely be housing and meal plans. At UC Merced, on-campus housing and meal plan costs vary depending on the type of room and residential community you select. For the 2024-2025 school year, the average cost of room & board is $21,446.
Besides tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans, you should account for expenses like textbooks and supplies, personal expenses and transportation. These are collectively estimted to cost $4,290 for the 2024-2025 school year.
When you're considering the overall cost of attending UC Merced, I encourage you to use their Net Price Calculator to estimate financial aid and your net price—the amount you'll pay after factoring in financial aid. This can give you a better idea of what the actual cost might be for you, as opposed to the published prices.
Lastly, don't forget to explore scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help offset the costs of attending college. Be sure to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the California Dream Act Application if you're eligible.
Best of luck in your college search!
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