Samuel Merritt University vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samuel Merritt University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 1,646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samuel Merritt University 5:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Samuel Merritt University vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Virginia Union University and Samuel Merritt University ($17,450.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Virginia Union University and Samuel Merritt University ($17,450.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Union University than at Samuel Merritt University (88% vs. 0%).

Samuel Merritt University vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samuel Merritt University or Virginia Union University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Virginia Union University and Samuel Merritt University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samuel Merritt University - Not reported; Virginia Union University - Test optional.

Samuel Merritt University vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samuel Merritt University and Virginia Union University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Virginia Union University's six-year graduation rate is 29%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Samuel Merritt University.
• Graduates from Samuel Merritt University earn a median of about $77,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($18,750 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($193 vs. $348).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 19%)

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.