Pacific Oaks College vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, 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 Pacific Oaks College based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 1,068 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Oaks College is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• Pacific Oaks College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Oaks College 11:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

Pacific Oaks College vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pacific Oaks College 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 Pacific Oaks College and Samuel Merritt University ($32,520.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Pacific Oaks College and Samuel Merritt University ($32,520.00 vs. $0.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Oaks College as at Samuel Merritt University (0% vs. 0%).

Pacific Oaks College vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pacific Oaks College 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 Pacific Oaks College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pacific Oaks College - Test optional; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.

Pacific Oaks College vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pacific Oaks College 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 $68,600 more per year than Pacific Oaks College graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $2,217 lower median loan debt than Pacific Oaks College graduates ($18,750 vs. $20,967).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pacific Oaks College graduates ($193 vs. $216).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pacific Oaks College students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 51%)

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.