Cal State Fullerton vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Fullerton 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 Fullerton 26:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton 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 Fullerton and Samuel Merritt University ($7,470.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Cal State Fullerton and Samuel Merritt University ($20,070.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Fullerton than at Samuel Merritt University (78% vs. 0%).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton 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 Cal State Fullerton.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton 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 $61,700 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($15,000 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($155 vs. $193).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 69%)

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.