Campus Vibe
Top graduate earnings — known for health sciences
Samuel Merritt University is a private urban institution in Oakland, California. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 712 undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
graduates earn a median of $143,238 a decade after enrollment.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Samuel Merritt University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
35.7%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$20,825
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (12)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
- •85% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Samuel Merritt University was founded in 1909 through the legacy of Samuel Merritt.
- •The Intercollegiate Nursing Program with Saint Mary's College of California was established in 1981.
- •Samuel Merritt College established the entry-level Master of Physical Therapy in 1990, the Master of Occupational Therapy in 1992.
- •In 2005, the department of Physical Therapy graduated its first Doctor of Physical Therapy class.
- •In 2023, SMU added three new programs: a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor in Kinesiology, and a Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical Leadership Education.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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