CalArts vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samuel Merritt University is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 1,277 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

CalArts vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or Samuel Merritt University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between California Institute of the Arts and Samuel Merritt University ($58,996.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between CalArts and Samuel Merritt University ($58,996.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of the Arts than at Samuel Merritt University (95% vs. 0%).

CalArts vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or Samuel Merritt University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Samuel Merritt University and CalArts.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.

CalArts vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and Samuel Merritt University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Samuel Merritt University earn a median of about $60,300 more per year than CalArts graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $9,750 lower median loan debt than CalArts graduates ($18,750 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CalArts graduates ($193 vs. $294).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CalArts students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.