Merced, CA (October 15, 2025) — According to UC Merced News, the University of California, Merced has officially been ranked among the Top 25 Public Universities in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report (2025). The annual survey evaluated nearly 1,700 public and private institutions nationwide, placing UC Merced at No. 25 among public universities, No. 57 overall, and No. 3 in the nation for social mobility for the second consecutive year.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz stated that the recognition reflects UC Merced’s mission to “advance discovery, expand opportunity and transform lives,” adding that the achievement demonstrates how this vision is gaining national recognition.
U.S. News evaluates 17 metrics including graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes. UC Merced earned its third-place social mobility position through strong results in student success, with identical graduation rates among Pell Grant and non-Pell students — a sign of its commitment to equity and access.
The university’s academic programs also rose significantly: psychology advanced from No. 118 to No. 85, while engineering moved from No. 139 to No. 135 this year. Within California, UC Merced is now ranked 10th overall and 7th among public universities, joining the state’s most prestigious campuses.
In 2025, the campus celebrated its 20th anniversary, earned the Carnegie R1 research classification, and transitioned to NCAA Division II athletics competition. The university was also recognized in rankings by Forbes, Washington Monthly, and Money Magazine for academic excellence, access, and student outcomes.
Muñoz concluded that these rankings “affirm what we see every day — UC Merced is providing students with a world-class education and ensuring success for students from all backgrounds.”
Full details are available on the official UC Merced News page at news.ucmerced.edu
