University of California, Merced Email Format
Higher EducationCalifornia, United States1001-5000 Employees
The University of California, Merced is a public research university within the University of California system, located in Merced, California. It opened in 2005 as the system's newest campus and has been designated a doctoral-granting university with higher research activity (R2) in its first Carnegie Classification listing. The campus sits near Yosemite National Park and aims to broaden access to UC education for students in the San Joaquin Valley, while serving as a center for advanced research and sustainable design. The Merced 2020 Project, completed in 2020, doubled its footprint to accommodate up to 10,000 students. UC Merced collaborates with local communities and other higher education institutions to expand pathways for students, including a May 2026 partnership with Reedley College to facilitate seamless transfer within the Central Valley. Its research community has earned national recognition, including NSF CAREER awards for its faculty and researchers.