A report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed the first 20 years of UC Merced, highlighting its unique student demographics and financial challenges. UC Merced enrolls a higher percentage of undergraduates, first-generation students, and Pell Grant recipients compared to other UC campuses. Despite receiving more state funding per student, the campus struggles to meet enrollment targets and faces higher operational costs. The report also notes that educational outcomes in the San Joaquin Valley still lag behind state averages.
