CSU Stanislaus vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Stanislaus is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (9,724 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Stanislaus is located in Turlock, CA (Small Suburban setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Stanislaus 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 Stanislaus 18:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

CSU Stanislaus vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Stanislaus 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 Stanislaus and Samuel Merritt University ($8,246.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between CSU Stanislaus and Samuel Merritt University ($20,846.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Stanislaus than at Samuel Merritt University (86% vs. 0%).

CSU Stanislaus vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Stanislaus 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 CSU Stanislaus.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Stanislaus - Test-free; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Stanislaus Nov 30, 2026.

CSU Stanislaus vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Stanislaus 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 $64,800 more per year than CSU Stanislaus graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Stanislaus graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($15,000 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, CSU Stanislaus 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 CSU Stanislaus 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.