Merced College

In 2015, tuition for full-time students at Merced College was $1,104 a year for in-state students and $8,064 a year for out-of-state students.

Usually, college tuition goes up about 3% every year.

Remember, the "sticker price" of tuition does not give you enough information to determine the actual cost of attending any given college. Many students owe way less than the sticker price after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are awarded. Additionally, student loans can make thecost of college feel more doable until you've finishing school and found a job.

International students can expect to pay 8,064 per year for tuition at Merced College.

For information on Merced College's financial aid options for first-year students, check with the school directly.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at Merced College

Merced College is a public institution, which means it offers a reduced tuition rate of $1,104 for students who qualify as state residents and attend full-time. For non-California residents, out-of-state tuition is $8,064 a year.

Public colleges and universities receive funding from the state government. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state status can cut the cost of college tuition. Take the time to verify your state's eligibility criteria for in-state tuition. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. Most states require students to have resided in the state for a certain period of time before qualifying. There may be other criteria as well, depending on the state you and your parents currently live in.

Explore other California colleges

Tuition for International Students at Merced College

Merced College has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at Merced College usually pay around $8,064 per year, before any scholarships, grants or other financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. are not eligible for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but should research private or school-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. International students with need may be eligible for the following types of financial support at Merced College:

•International Students Tuition Waivers

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Merced College Room, Board, Fees, and More

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Tuition is not the only cost of attending college; there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at Merced College.

Room and Board Costs at Merced College

Room and board at Merced College costs $17,784 a year. This covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, plus a meal plan that allows you to eat all or some of your meals the school dining facilities.

Board costs may vary depending on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

How Much Do Books Cost at Merced College?

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The real cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and the textbooks, computer programs, or other materials are required.. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy used textbooks and materials.

Annual Fees

The majority of colleges also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

There may be additional fees associated with participating in certain activities, like Greek Life, or participating in sports or other extracurriculars. Most colleges have ways so that those with financial need to find ways to lower or eliminate these costs.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at Merced College

The total cost of transportation in college depends on a few key factors. Will you take a subway, car or an airplane to get to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus easy to get around on foot? Do you own a car, or are you planning to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these questions can make a big difference in your estimated cost of transportation.

Where are a college is located can also have a big effect on transportation costs. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand transportation in an urban area can be pricey, but cities may offer more trains, busses and affordable flights to actually get to school. The Merced College campus is located in a town in California.

Other Costs

When you're planning for college, be sure to factor in personal expenses, like going out to eat or see shows, furnishing your living space, and things like haircuts, clothes and, yes, even toilet paper and shampoo.

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Financial Breakdown for Merced College

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Now, let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, to get a better idea of what is really costs to go to Merced College.

Total Cost of Merced College

What will the cost of attending Merced College be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$1,104
Out-of-State Tuition	$8,064
Room and Board	$17,784
Other expenses	$3,924

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

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Merced College Financial Aid

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Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on Merced College financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at Merced College

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, a total of $23.1 million was awarded in need-based scholarships.

Merced College Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for Merced College students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of Merced College seem more manageable.

What will attending Merced College really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the Merced College's net cost calculator on their website.

Merced College Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Merced College does not have guaranteed tuition.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

Does Merced College Offer Tuition Waivers?

Schools sometimes waiver tuition for certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some schools offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, other expenses and fees are the responsibility of the student.

Merced College has some full or partial tuition waivers available for: - International Students

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

Merced College's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

As of 2015, the total market value of Merced College's endowment was $3.2 million. The average college endowment was $905 million in 2021.

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Learn More About Merced College

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