UC Merced continues to rank among the nation’s top universities, earning a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 in Money’s 2026 “Best Colleges in America” report.
The annual evaluation scores more than 700 institutions nationwide using a range of factors, including graduation rates, cost of attendance, instructor access and economic mobility.
The university has maintained a 4.5-star rating since Money transitioned from a traditional ranking system to its current ratings model — an approach designed to help students and families identify colleges that best fit their needs.
Money’s methodology evaluates 25 indicators across three categories: quality of education, affordability and student outcomes, with affordability carrying the greatest weight. This year’s framework placed increased emphasis on net price and borrowing levels, while also highlighting how well institutions serve low-income students, including outcomes for Pell Grant recipients.
The ratings also incorporate data from Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index, which measures how effectively colleges deliver strong returns for students from lower-income backgrounds.
“UC Merced’s continued recognition in this report reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to a high-quality education while delivering meaningful outcomes for our students,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. “We remain focused on creating opportunities that empower our students to succeed and lead in their communities and beyond.”
Consistently recognized as a national leader in social mobility, UC Merced serves a predominantly first-generation student population and continues to demonstrate that academic excellence and affordability can go hand in hand.
The repeat 4.5-star rating underscores UC Merced’s growing national reputation for delivering a strong return on investment while advancing its mission to serve the San Joaquin Valley and the state of California.
Public Information Officer
