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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, California · www.samuelmerritt.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$50,138

2025

Peer median $18,677

Undergraduates

735

Student-faculty ratio 5:1

Peer median 11 : 1

“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Samuel Merritt University (SMU), located in Oakland, California, is a prominent institution specializing in health sciences education. Established in 1909, SMU has built a strong reputation for its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other health-related fields. The university's core mission emphasizes the importance of health equity, community service, and lifelong learning, which is reflected in its diverse programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of various populations.

One of the defining features of Samuel Merritt University is its state-of-the-art facilities, which provide students with hands-on learning experiences that are essential in the healthcare profession. The university boasts modern simulation labs, clinical practice spaces, and access to a network of clinical sites that enable students to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. Furthermore, the dedicated faculty at SMU, many of whom are experienced professionals in their respective fields, foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and service learning, students are encouraged to apply their skills in real-world settings, ultimately enhancing their educational experience and preparing them for future employment opportunities in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University, a private institution, has exhibited notable trends in tuition fees, student demographics, and graduation rates over recent years. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has shown a significant increase from $42,536 in 2014 to $50,171 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 18%. This rising cost of education is a growing concern nationwide, often leading to increased student debt and financial strain on families.

In terms of student demographics, the university has experienced fluctuations in enrollment. The number of undergraduate students rose sharply from 589 in 2014 to a peak of 919 in 2018 before declining to 704 in 2023. This decline may suggest a variety of factors, including increased competition among institutions, changes in student preferences, or external factors impacting enrollment decisions.

Gender representation in undergraduate programs has remained predominantly female, with women making up around 79% of the undergraduate population in 2023. This consistent trend highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities in various fields of study, particularly in science and healthcare, which are central to the university's mission.

Graduation rates have remained relatively stable, with 77.8% of students graduating on time in 2013 and a strong indication of ongoing support for student success. While the absence of retention rate data limits a comprehensive understanding of student persistence, the high graduation rates suggest effective academic and support services.

Overall, while Samuel Merritt University shows promising graduation rates and a commitment to student support, the increasing tuition costs and fluctuating enrollment figures warrant attention from university administration and policymakers to ensure accessibility and equity in higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
San Francisco, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 7 mi
Oakland, California
Academic calendar
Trimester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang (President and CEO)
Phone
8006076377
City
Oakland, California
Address
3100 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#195▼9

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's5320 international (0.0%)
Master's2000 international (0.0%)
Doctoral1512 international (1.3%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
532

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's74 (0% international)
  • Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's53 (0% international)
  • Physician Assistant · Master's45 (0% international)
  • Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry · Doctoral34 (3% international)
  • Clinical Nurse Leader · Master's22 (0% international)
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's6 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Samuel Merritt University

The graduation data from Samuel Merritt University in 2023 reveals significant insights into the health-related programs offered at the institution. Notably, there are no graduates earning a bachelor's degree across various medical fields, indicating a potential gap in undergraduate education in nursing and allied health professions at this university. This absence could be attributed to either a focused curriculum that prioritizes advanced training or a shift in demand towards graduate-level education in healthcare.

In terms of master's degrees, the data shows a robust output, with a total of 109 graduates in Family Practice Nursing and 89 in Registered Nursing. This suggests a strong emphasis on advanced practice roles that are crucial in addressing the growing healthcare needs, particularly in a post-pandemic context where there is an increased demand for skilled nursing professionals. Moreover, there is a noteworthy number of doctorate graduates in Physical Therapy, indicating a specialization that aligns with current trends in healthcare, where physical rehabilitation is becoming increasingly vital.

Interestingly, the data indicates that there are international students completing master's programs, albeit in smaller numbers, specifically one in the field of Physical Therapy. This reflects the university’s appeal to global students seeking advanced degrees in healthcare, which is an important aspect of diversifying the educational environment and fostering international collaboration in medical fields.

Overall, while the absence of bachelor's degree graduates raises questions about the university's undergraduate offerings, the focus on master's and doctorate programs positions Samuel Merritt University as a key player in producing highly qualified professionals in the health sector. As healthcare continues to evolve, this strategic emphasis could enhance the university's relevance and responsiveness to workforce needs.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 883 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Physician Assistant.$145,651
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry.$66,461
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.$92,977
Physical Therapy/Therapist.$92,977
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$138,536-$172,908
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.$138,536-$172,908
Nursing Practice.$138,536-$172,908
Clinical Nurse Leader.$138,536-$172,908

Students

1,926 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 18:82

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (735)

Hispanic
199 · 27.1%
Asian
183 · 24.9%
White
174 · 23.7%
Two or more races
97 · 13.2%
Black
46 · 6.3%
Unknown
21 · 2.9%
International
4 · 0.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.0%
18–19
0.4%
20–21
6.0%
22–24
17.4%
25 and over
76.2%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.0%
22–24
18.8%
25–29
37.7%
30–34
18.1%
35 and over
24.4%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Samuel Merritt University in 2023

The student demographics at Samuel Merritt University in 2023 reveal a diverse and predominantly female student body. Among undergraduate students, the returning students constitute a significant group, with 462 individuals, of which only 20.3% are male. This high female representation highlights the university's appeal to women, particularly in fields that are traditionally less represented by them.

The transfer students also show a similar trend, with 212 students and a male representation of 21.2%. This pattern suggests that the university may be attracting a larger number of female students who are seeking to continue their education after transferring from other institutions.

Graduate students make up a substantial portion of the university's population, totaling 1,207 individuals. Here, the male representation is slightly higher at 25.1%, yet women still account for a majority at 74.9%. This trend is consistent with many graduate programs across the country, where women often pursue advanced degrees in larger numbers.

The data also highlights racial and ethnic diversity among the students, particularly among the white population, although detailed statistics for other demographic groups are not fully available for analysis. This diversity is crucial in fostering an inclusive learning environment and preparing students for a globalized workforce.

Overall, the demographic trends at Samuel Merritt University reflect broader patterns in higher education, where female enrollment continues to rise, and diversity remains a priority.

Analysis of Age Composition at Samuel Merritt University

The age distribution data from Samuel Merritt University reveals interesting trends in the demographic composition of its student body. The largest group of students falls within the 25-29 age range, comprising 555 individuals, which highlights the university's appeal to non-traditional students or those who may be returning to education after a break. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating a growing number of adult learners pursuing higher education.

Moreover, the 22-24 age group is also significant, with a total of 160 students. This suggests that many students are completing their undergraduate studies in their early twenties, a pattern consistent with traditional college pathways. However, the data shows a notable decrease in enrollment for students aged 50 and above, with only 5 individuals in total. This may reflect barriers that older adults face in pursuing higher education, such as financial constraints or family commitments.

Gender distribution is another critical aspect to examine. In the 25-29 age bracket, there are 401 female students compared to 158 male students. This indicates a strong female presence in higher education at Samuel Merritt University, which is reflective of broader trends across many institutions where women are increasingly outnumbering men in enrollment.

Overall, Samuel Merritt University appears to cater to a diverse age range, with a significant emphasis on adult learners, particularly females. This demographic insight is vital for understanding the educational landscape and may inform future recruitment strategies aimed at attracting a broader spectrum of students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.5%

4 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.5%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students0.6%

7 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.8%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.4%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.4%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Samuel Merritt University

The data on international student enrollment at Samuel Merritt University reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly in the undergraduate program. Starting from modest numbers in the mid-2000s, the university saw an increase in the total number of undergraduate students, reaching a peak of 843 in 2019. However, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate cohort remained relatively low, indicating a potential area for growth in attracting a more diverse student body.

In contrast, the graduate program displayed a more consistent presence of international students, particularly from 2012 onwards. The percentage of international students among graduate students peaked at 84% in 2014 and remained high in subsequent years, suggesting that Samuel Merritt University has become an appealing destination for graduate studies, especially in health-related fields.

This data aligns with broader trends observed in U.S. higher education, where graduate programs often attract a higher proportion of international students compared to undergraduate programs. Factors contributing to this trend may include the global reputation of U.S. institutions for advanced studies, the availability of specialized programs, and the career opportunities that follow.

In conclusion, while Samuel Merritt University has made strides in enhancing its international student enrollment, particularly at the graduate level, there remains considerable potential for growth in the undergraduate sector. To further diversify its student body, the university may need to implement targeted recruitment strategies aimed at attracting international undergraduates, which could enrich the academic environment and promote cross-cultural exchange on campus.

Cost

2025 tuition

$50,138

Undergraduate tuition
$50,138
Graduate tuition
$49,786
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose -13% from 2016 to 2025.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$119M

Tuition and fees
$82.5M69.5%
Investment return
$21.4M18.1%
Gifts and private grants
$10.2M8.6%
Government grants and contracts
$4.5M3.8%

Expenses$91.4M

Instruction
$49.5M54.2%
Institutional support
$22.7M24.9%
Academic support
$12.1M13.3%
Student services
$7.0M7.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$103,044peers $67,788
Professor
$128,404peers $85,183
Associate professor
$107,319peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$102,622peers $67,938
Instructor
$89,202peers $60,861

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Samuel Merritt University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious research university located in Stanford, California. It is known for its academic strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and rich history.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - This renowned institution ranks 15th in the 2024 US News rankings. UC Berkeley is famous for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life, making it one of the top public universities in the United States.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is a major public research university located in Los Angeles, California. It offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong faculty and commitment to research.

  4. University of California-Davis - With a rank of 28, UC Davis is recognized for its programs in agriculture, environmental sciences, and veterinary medicine, among others. It combines a strong academic reputation with a beautiful campus.

  5. University of San Francisco - Ranked 115th, USF is a private Jesuit university located in San Francisco. It emphasizes social justice and community service, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  6. Santa Clara University - This university ranks 60th and is known for its focus on ethics and social responsibility, along with strong programs in business, law, and engineering.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Samuel Merritt University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
6

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Samuel Merritt University

The crime data from Samuel Merritt University over the past decade reveals a notable trend towards decreasing incidents. The average number of crimes reported per 1,000 students peaked in 2014 at 5.19, which indicates a significant concern for campus safety at the time. However, since that peak, there has been a steady decline in crime rates, culminating in years 2021 and 2023, where the reported incidents dropped to zero.

Particularly striking is the data for 2021 and 2023, which shows no recorded crimes, suggesting that the university has made effective strides toward improving campus safety and security measures. Factors contributing to this positive shift could include increased security presence, better awareness programs, or broader community engagement initiatives.

The breakdown of crime types over the years shows consistent issues with gun-related arrests and domestic violence, although these incidents have also decreased. The absence of any recorded crimes in recent years may signal a successful implementation of preventive strategies or a shift in student behavior.

Nonetheless, it is essential to remain vigilant; campuses can face unforeseen challenges that could affect safety. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are crucial in maintaining this downward trend in crime rates. Overall, these statistics present a hopeful outlook for the safety of students at Samuel Merritt University, while also highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to foster a secure educational environment. For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to the provided link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.