@Gumbymom I recall in a previous thread many months ago asking about the stigma and fear surrounding UC Merced as a “viable” UC campus and college, and that leads me to my current situation as of now. I consider UCM among my top choices for Comp Sci. after doing some extensive research/sleuthing, and when mentioning my top choices to relatives who happen to be alumni from UCD/UCSD, they were quick to denounce the college as “The dumpster of the UC System” and pleaded with me to stop considering it as a viable option. They also mentioned something about me not being able to find employment /w a CS degree if I choose to attend UCM, saying that the college name itself trumps the major and grades. For CS, is it really THAT bad where job prospects after graduation are minimal coming from UCM, or is this just a case of bias/hysteria that is false. ?
I cannot address your specific concerns, but it might be helpful to check the career center and see which companies recruit at UCM.
UCM has the stigma that UCR use to have due to the newness of the campus and idea that it is a backup for ELC eligible applicants that are not accepted into their choice UC campuses. My attitude about any undergraduate program is the where you go will not define you, but will define you is what you make of the opportunities you are given.
UCM is after all a UC with ABET accredited program. It is up to you to decide if the program meets your needs. I suggest you email engineering department and ask for a tour along trying to meet with students in the program to get a better idea of this school would be a good fit. I know it is hard to ignore others opinions, but what is important is where you want to spend the next 4 years.