UC Merced

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UC Merced opened Sept. 5, 2005, as the newest campus in the University of California system and the first American research university of the 21st century. Situated near Yosemite National Park, the campus significantly expands access to the UC system for students throughout the state, with a special mission to increase college-going rates among students in the San Joaquin Valley. It also serves as a major base of advanced research, a model of sustainable design and construction, and a stimulus to economic growth and diversification throughout the region. Since 2005, our students have formed 200 clubs and organizations, written their own constitution and created a thriving governing body. They serve internships at companies, nonprofits and in government, study abroad, contribute to the local community through outreach projects and pride themselves in having helped build the foundations of this campus. In addition, our graduate and undergraduate students are conducting some of the most cutting-edge research of our time, including stem cells, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

10/15/2026

A new crop at UC Merced could be a new possibility for Central Valley agriculture. 🌱

UC Merced’s Experimental Smart Farm is planting its first agave, a drought-tolerant crop with the potential to thrive in our region’s hot, dry conditions.

From biofuels to textiles, researchers are exploring how this versatile plant could help farmers adapt to changing water availability and create new opportunities for California agriculture.

The future of farming is taking root right here at UC Merced. 💙💛 Read more at the link in our bio 🔗

[Video Description: Students and staff at the UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm unload agave plants off a work truck. They use tools to dig and plant several rows of agave.]

10/14/2026

Exciting news for Merced College students! 🏡🐾

Applications are now open for Promise Housing, a new partnership offering eligible Merced College students the opportunity to live on the UC Merced campus starting in January 2027!

Learn more and apply below. ⬇️

Promise Housing applications are officially OPEN!

Promise Housing is a new partnership between Merced College and UC Merced that gives eligible Merced College students the opportunity to live on the UC Merced campus beginning January 2027.

Students can experience an affordable, all-inclusive residential life, connect with a larger campus community, and enjoy the convenience of living right where they learn and grow.

Spaces are limited! Apply NOW!

https://ucmerced.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalXMerced/635FD984/76/1219/Home-Home?UrlToken=A050A415

Questions? Contact [email protected].

10/13/2026

At just 19 years old, Areesha Tariq is preparing to graduate from UC Merced and already has research experience at Princeton University. 🔬🎓

Meet the future physician with big goals and a passion for giving back to the Central Valley.
Read her story 🔗 https://ucm.edu/bk02zl

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Yokuts and Miwuk, who first inhabited the land where UC Merced now stands.

We encourage our campus community to visit Toloma Grove, a place of reflection and remembrance that reminds us of the importance of honoring those who came before us.

10/09/2026

Ready for campus to feel like fall again🍁🍂☕️
[Video Description: Photos show UC Merced campus during fall. Pictures depict a pumpkin patch, colorful red and orange trees, and students passing by while the song “Insomniac” by Memo Boy plays.]

10/08/2026

The next generation of financial leaders starts here! 📈💰

UC Merced's Investment Academy is helping students turn classroom knowledge into real-world skills. Through hands-on learning, mentorship from finance professionals and opportunities to build their networks, incoming Bobcats explored careers in investing, entrepreneurship and beyond.

Read more 🔗 https://ucm.edu/ap3p3m

10/01/2026

A night at the symphony, right in the heart of campus. 🎻✨

Lakeside and under the stars, the Merced Symphony joined student musicians from UC Merced and Merced College for the annual Side-by-Side Concert.

This performance kicked off the 2026-27 UC Merced Arts season, and there’s much more to come!🎶 Learn more about this year’s UC Merced Arts events, exhibits and performances 🔗 https://ucm.edu/m2im97

09/24/2026

Sustainability is built into everything we do. 🌱🌎

UC Merced is one of just 14 institutions nationwide, and the only four-year institution in California, to earn the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability.

From research and academics to green buildings and community partnerships, the recognition reflects UC Merced’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. It also marks the university’s fourth Carnegie recognition, joining distinctions for research, student opportunity and community engagement.

Another national recognition for UC Merced 💙💛 Read more 🔗 https://ucm.edu/mwdbhl

09/22/2026

UC Merced has been named the 30th best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report! The latest rankings put UC Merced’s impact, value and student success in the national spotlight.

🏆 No. 30 public university
📈 No. 4 for social mobility
💰 No. 18 best value for in-state students
🎓 No. 40 best college for veterans
⚙️ Our highest-ever undergraduate engineering ranking

A historic enrollment and fundraising year for UC Merced, with national recognition to match! Read more 🔗 https://ucm.edu/jiubm2

09/21/2026

Big win! UC Merced is one of six institutions nationwide that exemplified enrollment success for both first-year and transfer students in fall 2026, per Inside Higher Ed.

Read: https://bit.ly/3SWIDot

Address

5200 N Lake Road
Merced, CA
95343

Telephone

+12092284400

Website

http://ucmerced.edu/

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