Samuel Merritt University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Merced is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (9,110 students vs. 1,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of California Merced and Samuel Merritt University ($15,623.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UC Merced and Samuel Merritt University ($49,823.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Merced than at Samuel Merritt University (89% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.

Samuel Merritt University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and UC Merced? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $1,149 lower median loan debt than UC Merced graduates ($18,750 vs. $19,899).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC Merced graduates ($193 vs. $205).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Merced students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 64%)

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.