Accolades

UC Merced is renowned as one of the top universities in the nation for both academic quality and ability to transform the lives of graduates and their families. The university’s commitment to access is increasingly recognized and its ability to maintain a student-centered approach while experiencing tremendous growth is reflected in the national rankings.

Sustainability 

UC Merced is a nationwide leader in environmental sustainability. All campus buildings are LEED-certified and the university was the first public research institution in the nation to achieve carbon neutrality. 

UC Merced’s efforts in this arena have earned a Platinum rating by AASHE STARS and the prestigious Carnegie Sustainability Classification. 

Carnegie Classifications 

• R1 Research Classification – for “very high research activity” 
• Opportunity Classification – for advancing social and economic mobility 
• Community Engagement Classification – for deep, mutual partnerships within the region we serve 
• Sustainability Classification – among the first to receive this distinction for integrating sustainability measures in all facets of the campus including curriculum, research, operations, career preparation and community engagement. UC Merced is the only university in the state with this classification. 

*UC Merced is the only university in the nation with all four classifications 

UC Merced is also featured in the following rankings: 

• U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges 
• The Wall Street Journal's Best Colleges in the Nation 
• Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges 
• Money Magazine’s Best Colleges in the U.S 
• Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 
• Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars 
• Princeton Review’s Top Colleges 

See Accolades Archive