I have to agree with @NCalRent. UC Merced is hot and smelly.
It gets the high stat kids who only chose to apply to one or two other UCs (like Berkeley and LA) and are surprised, after not being admitted, that their only options are CCs or MERCED.
FYI: The towns of Merced and Stanilaus are a lot smaller than Bakersfield. Fresno is bigger. (Fresno is too industrial for my tastes but it does have an active student population.)
Even with all of that, I would still choose Bakersfield over Merced.
The inland universities are going to be a lot cheaper in rent and cost of living so this is
why I would choose Bakersfield:
The people are really friendly. Lots of families.
Lots of outdoor activities year round.
Concerts do come to Bakersfield. La radio stations are accessible.
Movie theaters, good taco trucks and catering. Medical facilities.
Lots of cheap shopping (TARGET, SAVE MART, etc.) and outlet malls. Cheap air conditioning everywhere!
Costco is on the same highway as CSU Bakersfield.
Access to LA, San Francisco, and Sequoia in less than a day.
Sister in law liked CSU Bakersfield and feels she got lots of individual support and small grants.
They also have farmers (with their own helicopters!) who support independent scholarships at CSU Bakersfield.
The weather is a major issue,as it is with all of the inland empire.
You’ll have to visit.
Look into the privates and check out more of the CSUs