Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco State

Comparable Facts

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

San Francisco State University is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Francisco State University is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Francisco State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; San Francisco State University 19:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco State Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between San Francisco State University and Samuel Merritt University ($7,950.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between San Francisco State and Samuel Merritt University ($20,550.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Francisco State University than at Samuel Merritt University (77% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco State Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Francisco State University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Francisco State University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; San Francisco State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Francisco State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and San Francisco State? 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 $58,100 more per year than San Francisco State graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $52,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Francisco State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($17,250 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, San Francisco State graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($178 vs. $193).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Francisco State students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 63%)

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.