Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Comparable Facts

Compare Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA with San Francisco Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samuel Merritt University is larger than San Francisco Conservatory of Music based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 439 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Francisco Conservatory of Music is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; San Francisco Conservatory of Music 5:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco Conservatory of Music Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samuel Merritt University or San Francisco Conservatory of Music? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Samuel Merritt University ($56,150.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Samuel Merritt University ($56,150.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco Conservatory of Music than at Samuel Merritt University (100% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco Conservatory of Music Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samuel Merritt University or San Francisco Conservatory of Music? 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Samuel Merritt University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; San Francisco Conservatory of Music - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco Conservatory of Music Dec 7, 2026.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco Conservatory of Music Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and San Francisco Conservatory of Music? 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 $80,500 more per year than San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $30,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduates ($18,750 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduates ($193 vs. $271).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Francisco Conservatory of Music 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.