University of California, Merced

University of California, Merced (UC Merced or UCM) emerged in 2005 as the inaugural American research university of the 21st Century. Nestled northeast of the city of Merced in California’s Central Valley, its campus, the 10th of the University of California campuses, is bordered by Lake Yosemite. Committed to sustainability, UC Merced has pledged to achieve zero net landfill waste and zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, with all buildings LEED-certified. Reflecting California’s diverse demographics, the 2018 undergraduate population comprised 53 percent Latin students, with nearly three-quarters being first-generation college attendees. The university comprises three undergraduate schools—engineering; natural sciences and social sciences; humanities and arts—while plans for a school of medicine and school of management are underway. Notably, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the commencement address for UC Merced’s inaugural graduating class. Departing from the quarter system typical of other UC campuses, UC Merced operates on a two-part semester system. The university boasts several specialized research institutes and centers, including the Health Sciences Research Institute, Sierra Nevada Research Institute, and UC Water, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.