Established in 2005, University of California, Merced is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Merced (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of California, Merced (UC Merced) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. This 17 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this US higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UC Merced also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.