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AdmissionsOS

California State University-Bakersfield vs University of California-Merced

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-Bakersfield University of California-Merced
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 94% 91%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $5,652 $11,983
Sticker cost of attendance $19,522 $39,665
Graduation rate 50% 69%
Retention rate 79% 82%
Undergraduates 8,577 8,372
Student-faculty ratio 20:1 20:1
Setting Bakersfield, CA Merced, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $80
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-Bakersfield or University of California-Merced harder to get into?

University of California-Merced is more selective, with a 91% acceptance rate versus 94% at California State University-Bakersfield. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Bakersfield or University of California-Merced?

California State University-Bakersfield has the lower average net price ($5,652 versus $11,983). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.