La Sierra University vs. Samuel Merritt University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Samuel Merritt University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (1,926 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Samuel Merritt University is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Samuel Merritt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Samuel Merritt University 5:1.

La Sierra University vs. Samuel Merritt University Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between La Sierra University and Samuel Merritt University ($37,710.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between La Sierra University and Samuel Merritt University ($37,710.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at Samuel Merritt University (98% vs. 0%).

La Sierra University vs. Samuel Merritt University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or Samuel Merritt 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 Samuel Merritt University and La Sierra University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Samuel Merritt University - Not reported.

La Sierra University vs. Samuel Merritt University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and Samuel Merritt 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 $58,800 more per year than La Sierra University graduates about ten years after starting college ($110,700 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have a $11,250 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($18,750 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Samuel Merritt University graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($193 vs. $310).
• More Samuel Merritt University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 52%)

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.