Samuel Merritt University vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between San Jose State University and Samuel Merritt University ($8,410.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between San Jose State and Samuel Merritt University ($21,010.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at Samuel Merritt University (63% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.

Samuel Merritt University vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and San Jose 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 $50,800 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($15,000 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($155 vs. $193).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 73%)

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.