Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University has an overall rank of #46 (Grade A). The 8-year graduation rate is 95.2%, and median earnings are $147,769 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Samuel Merritt University is a private nonprofit university in Oakland, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Medicine.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Samuel Merritt University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Samuel Merritt University reports an 8-year award rate of 95.2% and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Samuel Merritt University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: Not reported Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.0% of Samuel Merritt University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $147,769
- 10-Year Median Earnings $151,150
- Average Years to Graduate 4.0 years
- Average Student Debt $20,825
- Debt-to-Earnings ~14.1%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 91.7%
- Employment Rate 96.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Samuel Merritt University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Samuel Merritt University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Samuel Merritt University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Samuel Merritt University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 718
- Full-Time Students 83.4%
- Part-Time Students 16.6%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into Samuel Merritt University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Samuel Merritt University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Samuel Merritt University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Samuel Merritt University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draws the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 100.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $148,857
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $172,868
- 2. Medicine (Doctoral Degree) $172,271
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $136,861
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $132,340
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $94,881
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $85,038
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $172,868 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Samuel Merritt University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 224 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 39 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree, graduates (suppressed))
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 718
- Full-Time Students 83.4%
- Part-Time Students 16.6%
- Male Students 17.1%
- Female Students 82.9%
- Caucasian 24.0%
- Asian 24.9%
- Hispanic 27.7%
- Black 6.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Samuel Merritt University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Samuel Merritt University's undergraduate population. Women make up 82.9% of the student body, while men represent 17.1%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Samuel Merritt University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
EDsmart Insight: Samuel Merritt University has a diverse student body, with 24.0% identifying as White. Women make up 82.9% of undergraduates. About 15.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Samuel Merritt University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Our Take
Ranking #46 overall, Samuel Merritt University combines competitive admissions with 0.0% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $147,769 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students graduate within 150% of normal time at a 0.0% rate, with 0.0% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $0 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 0 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Samuel Merritt University's Market Position
A grade | #46 of 1934 | 97.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Samuel Merritt University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 0.0% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $0 annually produces $147,769 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Samuel Merritt University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Samuel Merritt University's #46 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 0 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $147,769 run about 140% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- 96.1% employment rate within three years is 27.9 points above the national 68.2%.
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- #46 of 1,934 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.1% employment rate within three years sits 27.9 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 15.0% trails the national share by 23.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- 68.3% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Samuel Merritt University—a private nonprofit university in Oakland, CA—at A overall. It appears at #46 in EDsmart's rankings Category results include Completion (B), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 95.2% of students to earn an award within eight years of entry. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,825 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, alumni earn roughly $147,769 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 140% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 96.1%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Samuel Merritt University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Samuel Merritt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/samuel-merritt-university/
MLA (9th): “Samuel Merritt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/samuel-merritt-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Samuel Merritt University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/samuel-merritt-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samuel Merritt University's ranking?
Samuel Merritt University ranks #46 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Samuel Merritt University's graduation rate?
At Samuel Merritt University, the the federal 8-year award rate is 95.2%.
What are Samuel Merritt University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Samuel Merritt University report median earnings of $147,769 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Samuel Merritt University's student population?
Samuel Merritt University enrolls about 718 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 3100 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
- Website www.samuelmerritt.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$41.8M