The University of California, Merced last week joined the nation’s list of elite research schools, becoming the only Central Valley university to do so, the college announced.

In comparing other colleges and universities, our value shines through as well as the fact we have the best of both worlds – a small supportive campus and the big University of Minnesota degree.

The University of California, Merced last week joined the nation’s list of elite research schools, becoming the only Central Valley university to do so, the college announced.

Auburn strengthens grip atop the league by beating Alabama, while red-hot Missouri surges back into the top-5.