Student Enrollment

Understand who studies at Merced College — from total enrollment and demographics to attendance status.

Merced, CA

What Are the Enrollment Numbers at Merced College?

Total Enrollment

12,472

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

157

157 career programs

Full-Time Students

4,985

7,487 part-time

Total FTE

8,069

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

27:1

Students per faculty member

How Merced College Compares

Enrollment of 12,472 places Merced College on the larger end of trade-college scale. 40% full-time mix indicates flexibility for working students. Larger schools often translate to wider trade specializations and more robust placement support.

What Is the Student Body Size at Merced College?

Training Program Focus

1598

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

3266

Total Recent Graduates

With 12,472 students, Merced College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 157 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend Merced College?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,985 (40.0%)

40.0%

Part-Time Students 7,487 (60.0%)

60.0%

Total Students 12,472

Majority part-time students (60.0%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (40.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students at Merced College?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

58.8%

7,333 students

Men

41.2%

5,139 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Hispanic/Latino

66.0%

8,228 students

Hispanic/Latino

66.0% (8,228)

White

16.5% (2,054)

Asian

7.1% (887)

Black/African American

3.8% (473)

Two or More Races

3.3% (409)

International Students

0.4% (45)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (43)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.2% (27)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 12,472 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 66% of the student body (8,228 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level at Merced College?

Undergraduate students

12,472 students

41% Men, 59% Women

4,985 Full-time 7,487 Part-time

Diversity Index: 53% • Minority Students: 77%

What Are the Attendance Patterns at Merced College?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,985

All full-time students

2,051 men, 2,934 women

Diversity: 49%

FT Undergraduate

Subtotal

4,985

Full-time undergraduate

= 4,904 Degree-Seeking + 81 Non-Degree

2,051 men, 2,934 women

Diversity: 49%

FT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

4,904

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

= 1,313 First-Time + 3,591 Other Degree-Seeking

2,016 men, 2,888 women

Diversity: 49%

FT First-Time

1,313

Full-time first-time students

648 men, 665 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

3,591

Full-time transfers-in plus continuing

= 196 Transfer + 3,395 Continuing

1,368 men, 2,223 women

Diversity: 50%

FT Transfer

196

Full-time transfer-in students

77 men, 119 women

Diversity: 58%

FT Continuing

3,395

Full-time continuing students

1,291 men, 2,104 women

Diversity: 50%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

35 men, 46 women

Diversity: 56%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

7,487

All part-time students

3,088 men, 4,399 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Undergraduate

Subtotal

7,487

Part-time undergraduate

= 5,097 Degree-Seeking + 2,390 Non-Degree

3,088 men, 4,399 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

5,097

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

= 850 First-Time + 4,247 Other Degree-Seeking

2,138 men, 2,959 women

Diversity: 54%

PT First-Time

850

Part-time first-time students

470 men, 380 women

Diversity: 52%

PT Other Degree-Seeking

Subtotal

4,247

Part-time transfers-in plus continuing

= 461 Transfer + 3,786 Continuing

1,668 men, 2,579 women

Diversity: 55%

PT Transfer

461

Part-time transfer-in students

202 men, 259 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Continuing

3,786

Part-time continuing students

1,466 men, 2,320 women

Diversity: 53%

PT Non-Degree

2,390

Part-time non-degree seeking

950 men, 1,440 women

Diversity: 58%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture at Merced College?

Undergraduate students

2,054

White

473

Black/African American

8,228

Hispanic/Latino

887

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 53% Minority Students: 77%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Merced College

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Merced College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 12,472 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 8,069 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Standard class sizes (27:1) with structured learning environment.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2093846000

Address

3600 M St

Merced, CA 95348-2806

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials