University of California-Merced vs California State University-Channel Islands: which has better ROI?
California State University-Channel Islands has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,396 in 2.9 years versus 3 years at University of California-Merced, on median earnings of $62,152 vs $64,368 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Merced | California State University-Channel Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,983 | $9,849 |
| Total net cost | $47,932 | $39,396 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,368 | $62,152 |
| Median debt | $16,144 | $15,000 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $272,228 | $236,444 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Merced or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands, at $9,849 a year after aid versus $11,983 — a gap of $2,134 a year, or $8,536 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of California-Merced or California State University-Channel Islands graduates earn more?
University of California-Merced graduates report a median $64,368 ten years after entry, $2,216 more than the $62,152 at California State University-Channel Islands. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Merced or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $16,144 at University of California-Merced, a difference of $1,144. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at University of California-Merced, against 51% at California State University-Channel Islands. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.