CMA vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo, 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 CMA based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Maritime Academy is located in Vallejo, CA (Midsize City setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Maritime Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Maritime Academy 11:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

CMA vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMA 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 State University Maritime Academy and Samuel Merritt University ($9,944.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between CMA and Samuel Merritt University ($22,544.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Maritime Academy than at Samuel Merritt University (51% vs. 0%).

CMA vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMA 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 CMA.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMA - Test-free; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CMA Dec 15, 2026.

CMA vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMA 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 $20,200 more per year than CMA graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $90,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $6,776 lower median loan debt than CMA graduates ($18,750 vs. $25,526).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMA graduates ($193 vs. $263).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMA students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 79%)

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.