Samuel Merritt University
About
Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California, is a specialized health sciences institution renowned for its top-tier programs in nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and podiatric medicine. As a primary educator of healthcare professionals in Northern California, the university features state-of-the-art simulation technology and strong clinical partnerships with major regional providers like Sutter Health. Campus culture is intimate, rigorous, and collaborative, serving a focused community of undergraduate and graduate students dedicated to hands-on clinical training and compassionate patient care. SMU uniquely distinguishes itself through consistently high board pass rates and its status as home to one of only nine accredited colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States.
Wikipedia:Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a private university focused on health sciences with its main campus in Oakland, California, and other facilities in Sacramento, Foster City and Fresno. It was an affiliate of the Sutter Health Network and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center until it disaffiliated in January, 2022, becoming a wholly independent institution. It is the only provider of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants and is the largest source of nurses in the greater East Bay. Formerly known as Samuel Merritt College, it was founded in 1909 as a hospital school of nursing. Today, it stands as a comprehensive health sciences university, encompassing three colleges: College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and College of Podiatric Medicine
Location
Cost
No cost data available for this college.
Admissions
No admissions data available for this college.
Wondering if Samuel Merritt University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
Essay Requirements
This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Samuel Merritt University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.