Golden Gate University vs. Merrimack

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA with Merrimack College in North Andover, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Merrimack College is larger than Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (5,862 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Merrimack College is in North Andover, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Merrimack College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; Merrimack College 13:1.

Golden Gate University vs. Merrimack Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 38.7% lower than at Merrimack College ($13,200 vs. $21,525).
• Merrimack College is 74.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Golden Gate University (about $22,974 more per year; $53,962.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.1% higher at Merrimack than at Golden Gate University (about $22,974 more per year; $53,962.00 vs. $30,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Merrimack College than at Golden Gate University (100% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. Merrimack Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate University or Merrimack? 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 Merrimack and Golden Gate University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; Merrimack - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Merrimack Sep 1, 2026.

Golden Gate University vs. Merrimack Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate University and Merrimack? 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 Golden Gate University earn a median of about $18,400 more per year than Merrimack graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Merrimack College graduates have a $2,839 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Merrimack graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($279 vs. $308).
• More Merrimack graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 57%)

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.