PrivateUrbanSamuel Merritt University
Oakland, California 94609
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Typical Application Requirements
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
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
36.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$20,825
Programs (12)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium