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University of California-Riverside vs University of California-Merced: which has better ROI?

Public, Riverside CA · vs · Public, Merced CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of California-Riverside has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,216 in 3 years versus 3 years at University of California-Merced, on median earnings of $67,699 vs $64,368 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-RiversideUniversity of California-Merced
Net price / yr$14,304$11,983
Total net cost$57,216$47,932
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,699$64,368
Median debt$17,500$16,144
Payback3 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$329,564$272,228

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced, at $11,983 a year after aid versus $14,304 — a gap of $2,321 a year, or $9,284 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-Riverside or University of California-Merced graduates earn more?

University of California-Riverside graduates report a median $67,699 ten years after entry, $3,331 more than the $64,368 at University of California-Merced. 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-Riverside or University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced: its completers carry a median $16,144 in federal loans versus $17,500 at University of California-Riverside, a difference of $1,356. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at University of California-Riverside, against 69% at University of California-Merced. 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.

University of California-Riverside vs University of California-Merced: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Riverside or University of California-Merced a better value?
University of California-Riverside. It clears its $57,216 net cost in about 3 years versus 3 years at University of California-Merced, on median earnings of $67,699 vs $64,368 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced: $11,983/yr net price after aid versus $14,304/yr at University of California-Riverside — a difference of $2,321 a year, or about $9,284 over four years.
Do University of California-Riverside or University of California-Merced graduates earn more?
University of California-Riverside graduates earn a median $67,699 ten years after entry, versus $64,368 at University of California-Merced — a $3,331 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.