Samuel Merritt University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

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

Sonoma State University is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Sonoma State University and Samuel Merritt University ($8,624.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Sonoma State University and Samuel Merritt University ($21,224.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at Samuel Merritt University (83% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; Sonoma State University - Test-free.

Samuel Merritt University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and Sonoma State 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 $61,400 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($17,500 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samuel Merritt University graduates ($180 vs. $193).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sonoma State University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 69%)

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.