Samuel Merritt University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samuel Merritt University or CSUMB? 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 Monterey Bay and Samuel Merritt University ($7,779.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between CSUMB and Samuel Merritt University ($20,379.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Monterey Bay than at Samuel Merritt University (71% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samuel Merritt University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and Samuel Merritt University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCalifornia State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCalifornia State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.

Samuel Merritt University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and CSUMB? 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 $65,400 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($14,000 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($144 vs. $193).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSUMB students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 66%)

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.