Samuel Merritt University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Diego is larger than Samuel Merritt University based on total student enrollment (9,714 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 San Diego is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; University of San Diego 13:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. USD Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of San Diego and Samuel Merritt University ($59,486.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between USD and Samuel Merritt University ($59,486.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Diego than at Samuel Merritt University (84% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. USD Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; USD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USD Dec 15, 2026.

Samuel Merritt University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and USD? 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 $40,500 more per year than USD graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $70,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $4,154 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,904).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($193 vs. $236).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USD students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 78%)

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.