University of California-Merced

Nestled in California's scenic Central Valley, the University of California, Merced stands as the tenth and newest campus in the prestigious UC system, officially established in 2005. True to its motto, "Fiat lux" (Let there be light), UC Merced has rapidly emerged as a beacon of innovation and opportunity. It proudly achieved the R1 Carnegie research institution classification in 2025, a remarkable feat for such a young university, making it the only R1 institution in the dynamic Central Valley. Its 810-acre campus, adjacent to the serene Lake Yosemite and protected natural grasslands, provides a unique living laboratory that deeply influences its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary studies.

The journey to establish UC Merced spanned decades, driven by a critical need to expand educational access and address growing enrollment pressures, particularly for the San Joaquin Valley—the largest and most populous region in California without a UC presence. Beginning in the early 1980s, the UC Regents embarked on a rigorous process, culminating in the selection of Merced in 1995 after extensive environmental reviews and spirited community engagement. This strategic decision aimed to transform educational attainment rates in the region, bringing world-class public university opportunities closer to home for thousands of students who previously faced significant travel to coastal campuses.

Today, UC Merced is a vibrant academic community serving over 9,110 students, including 8,372 undergraduates and 738 postgraduates as of Fall 2024. Students can choose from over 60 undergraduate degrees and 18 graduate and professional programs, all supported by a faculty dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The university's rapid ascent in research, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, offers a dynamic and forward-thinking environment where Golden Bobcats, led by their mascot Rufus, are empowered to illuminate the future.