News Summary
The University of California, Merced has achieved a remarkable ranking, placing third nationwide for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition highlights UC Merced’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students, with a diverse student body that includes a significant number of first-generation college students and Pell Grant recipients. The university’s initiatives, such as the Center for Educational Partnerships and support programs for underrepresented students, contribute to its rising success in higher education access and student graduation rates.
Merced, California – The University of California, Merced has been ranked third in the nation for social mobility by the U.S. News & World Report as part of its 2026 Best Colleges rankings. This notable achievement places UC Merced alongside California State University-Long Beach, both recognized for their significant efforts in advancing the educational opportunities of economically disadvantaged students.
The ranking emphasizes UC Merced’s commitment to enrolling and graduating a diverse student body, particularly those who are Pell Grant recipients, which primarily includes students from families earning less than $50,000 a year. In the fall of 2024, the university reported an enrollment of 8,372 undergraduate students and 738 graduate students, with nearly 65% of undergraduates identifying as first-generation college students.
Among the undergraduate demographics, approximately 50% are Hispanic, 22% are Asian, and 10% are White. The university charges $15,244 in tuition for in-state students and $49,094 for out-of-state students, and about 69% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. Noteworthy, over half of UC Merced students graduate within four years, reflecting the university’s focus on student success.
In 2024, UC Merced had previously ranked No. 1 in the nation for social mobility in a report, indicating a consistent upward trend in its commitment to improving access to education for underserved populations. The university is currently ranked No. 57 among all universities in the nation, rising from No. 60 the prior year. It was also noted among the top 25 public schools in the U.S. for 2026.
These accolades are bolstered by various initiatives established by UC Merced, such as the Center for Educational Partnerships, which aims to prepare K-12 students in the Central Valley for college and career paths, and the Fiat Lux Scholars program designed to support underrepresented students. The university’s efforts have resulted in a first-year retention rate of 33%, reflecting its ability to support students in their academic journeys.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for historically underserved students, reinforcing the university’s mission to foster an inclusive educational environment. Furthermore, within the Central Valley, other institutions have also been recognized for their efforts in promoting social mobility, including Stanislaus State ranked No. 3 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, Fresno State at No. 30, and CSU Bakersfield at No. 18 among Top Public Schools in the West.
The U.S. News rankings evaluate over 1,700 colleges based on up to 17 different factors that assess academic excellence and graduate success. To qualify for inclusion in the rankings, schools must enroll at least 100 undergraduates. The ranking methodology incorporates both data from direct school reports as well as information from third-party sources, including the U.S. Department of Education.
This recognition by U.S. News & World Report not only cements UC Merced’s status as a leader in social mobility but also showcases the university’s persistent dedication to making higher education more accessible for all students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- GV Wire: UC Merced Gains Ground on U.S. News Best Colleges List
- Wikipedia: University of California, Merced
- Your Central Valley: UC Merced Ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for Social Mobility
- Google Search: UC Merced social mobility
- Sierra News Online: UC Merced Ranked No. 1 in the Nation for Social Mobility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social mobility
- GV Wire: What Sacramento Still Doesn’t Get About UC Merced
- Google News: UC Merced education
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
