Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University is a private nonprofit university in Oakland, CA ranked #12 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, and enrolling about 712 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Medicine.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $143,353. That's about $99,665 higher than national results. 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 does not report a six-year graduation rate 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
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 17.8% of Samuel Merritt University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $143,353
- 10-Year Median Earnings $143,353
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,825
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 91.7%
- Employment Rate 94.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Samuel Merritt University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
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 712
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
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
College Scorecard 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 – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 529 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 91 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 35 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 712
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 18.7%
- Female Students 81.3%
- Caucasian 28.8%
- Asian 26.8%
- Hispanic 23.9%
- Black 6.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 17.8%
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 81.3% of the student body, while men represent 18.7%.
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 28.8% identifying as White. Women make up 81.3% of undergraduates. About 17.8% 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
Samuel Merritt University ranks among the country's most prestigious, delivering a 0.0% ROI outperforming 1966 of 1966 institutions in our analysis.
The institution demonstrates strong student outcomes. However, the competitive $0 annual net price enhances accessibility. Post-graduation median earnings of $143,353 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Samuel Merritt University Worth It?
Ranking #12 of 1966, Samuel Merritt University delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.4/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Samuel Merritt University's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $0 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 0 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Samuel Merritt University excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 0.0% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $0 annual investment against 0 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $143,353 run about 228% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- 94.7% employment rate within three years is 26.5 points above the national 68.2%.
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- #12 of 1,966 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.7% employment rate within three years sits 26.5 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 17.8% trails the national share by 15.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- 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 #12 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B+), 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.
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 17.8% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $143,353 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 228% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 94.7%.
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
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Contact Information
- Address 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$31.5M