What is UC Merced’s Promise Housing, and how does it affect Merced College students?
A unique partnership between Merced College and UC Merced will provide affordable housing to some students starting in early 2027.
The Promise Housing project will allow Merced College students to live on campus at UC Merced.
The project is “designed to support the transition of Merced College transfer students into UC Merced’s academic community,” according to the Merced College website.
While not yet accepting applications, Merced College has created an interest form for students to get early updates about the program, including application launch details and other announcements. Students will move in starting in January.
Promise Housing will be all-inclusive housing, meaning rent will include electricity, water, trash and internet.
It is located on the UC Merced campus on Bellevue Road, adjacent to the El Portal residence hall. The project is scheduled to be completed late this year, according to the Merced College website.
The units will be fully furnished, and free transportation between UC Merced and Merced College will be provided. The two colleges are about five miles apart. The housing will be financial-aid eligible.
There will be 488 beds allocated between Merced College and UC Merced students, the Merced College website says.
According to UC Merced, the project budget is $100 million.
Space is limited, Merced College said, so “we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as the application opens to increase your chances of securing a bed.”
Merced College students who live at Promise Housing will not be required to transfer to UC Merced.
