$55,340
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“STEM-designated and planted in Orange County's tech corridor. Merage is the SoCal tech MBA that flies under the radar.”
Program Overview
UC Irvine Merage sits in the heart of Orange County, surrounded by tech companies, healthcare firms, and a growing startup ecosystem. Google, Amazon, Edwards Lifesciences, and dozens of mid-size tech companies operate within commuting distance. The STEM-designated MBA gives international students an extra year of work authorization, which matters in a job market where visa sponsorship is a deciding factor.
The 32% acceptance rate makes Merage more selective than many schools ranked above it. The 55-person class is intimate, and the program has carved out real specializations in digital transformation, healthcare, innovation, and entrepreneurship. For candidates targeting SoCal tech or healthcare roles, Merage offers geographic advantages that Berkeley Haas and UCLA Anderson can't match at lower cost.
Culture & Community
Merage's culture is diverse and collaborative. International students make up a significant portion of the class, and the STEM designation attracts analytically minded candidates. The Orange County setting provides a more relaxed vibe than LA or the Bay Area, with beach access and lower (relatively) cost of living than other California MBA programs.
Academics & Curriculum
Specializations in Digital Transformation, Healthcare, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate reflect the local economy. The STEM designation means the core curriculum has a quantitative backbone. Faculty research in technology management and healthcare innovation feeds directly into elective courses. Cross-registration with UCI's engineering and computer science departments adds technical depth.
Career Outcomes
Tech leads placements at roughly 30%, followed by healthcare (20%), consulting (18%), and finance (15%). Orange County employers hire aggressively from Merage, and the UCI alumni network in SoCal is growing rapidly. Median base salary is $125,000, with total first-year compensation around $145,000. Amazon, Google, Deloitte, and Edwards Lifesciences are among the top recruiters.
Who Should Apply
Candidates targeting SoCal tech or healthcare who want a STEM-designated MBA at a UC price point. International students benefit from the OPT extension. Career changers moving into digital transformation or healthcare innovation will find Merage's specializations directly relevant.
What to Watch Out For
Merage competes for attention with UCLA Anderson and Berkeley Haas within the UC system. Outside California, the brand is limited. The 55-person class means a smaller alumni network from each cohort. And Irvine, while pleasant, lacks the energy of LA or San Francisco for social life.
Known For
Best For
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Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at UC Irvine Merage?
UC Irvine Merage's MBA acceptance rate is approximately 32% for the class of 2026, making it one of the more selective programs in the 50-75 ranking range.
Is UC Irvine Merage STEM designated?
Yes. Merage's MBA is STEM-designated, which gives international students an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization beyond the standard 12 months. This is a significant advantage for international students seeking US employment.
What is the average salary after UC Irvine Merage?
Merage graduates earn a median base salary of $125,000 with total first-year compensation around $145,000. Tech and healthcare drive the strongest compensation packages.