UC Merced has billion dollar impact on Central Valley economy, study says
The Merced County economy has been boosted by UC Merced with one of about 15 jobs in the county being created thanks to the university, according to a recent study.
UC Merced generates $1.12 billion in economic production per year in the Central Valley, according to an independent analysis commissioned by the university.
The university supports 7,737 full-time jobs in the Central Valley and more than $490 million in labor income, according to the study.
UC Merced announced the results of the study in a news release on Tuesday.
“The Valley is our home. UC Merced, as this report confirms, is a powerful driver of economic vitality, population growth, and individual prosperity for Merced County, the Valley and the state, in addition to delivering the highest standard of student success and globally recognized research,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said in the news release.
Beacon Economics analyzed state, regional and university data from the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to the news release.
The full report is available to read at ucm.edu/impact.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 7:38 AM.
