About Merritt College
The financial picture looks promising for students willing to commit to their programs. In-state students pay just $1,167 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $14,742 when living costs are included. Graduates earn a median of $44,392 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. The employment rate hits 89%, reflecting strong job market connections in healthcare fields. Only 0.34% of students take federal loans, suggesting most cover costs through work or family support.
The student body reflects Oakland's diversity, with 28.84% Hispanic students, 23.66% Black students, and 65.36% women. With 29 students per faculty member, classes tend toward lecture format rather than intimate discussions. The 21.30% six-year completion rate indicates that many students transfer or leave before finishing their programs, though this is common among community colleges serving working adults.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 29:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,392
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $36,848 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $31,038 |
Campus Life
The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though health program labs offer more hands-on attention. With no campus housing, students commute from across the East Bay and beyond. About 82% come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local Oakland residents returning to school or starting their higher education journey.
Weekends center around Oakland's active culture rather than campus activities. Students explore the city's well-known food scene, attend A's games, or study at local cafes. The Panthers field six varsity sports with 83 total athletes, but athletic life plays a smaller role than at four-year colleges. Most students balance classes with work or family responsibilities, creating a focused, goal-oriented campus atmosphere.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1954
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–59°F
- July Avg
- 56°–71°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.6%
- Women
- 65.4%
- White
- 18.8%
- Black
- 23.7%
- Hispanic
- 28.8%
- Asian
- 17.3%
- In-State Students
- 82.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.4%
Location
- Address
- Oakland, California 94619-3196
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,392
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,791
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Merritt College?
As a community college, Merritt College has open enrollment for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 5,153 students primarily from the Oakland area, with 82.11% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Bay Area.
How much does Merritt College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,742 annually, though costs vary by income level. In-state tuition is just $1,167, making it one of the most affordable options in California. Only 9.36% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students work while attending or have family support.
What academic programs is Merritt College known for?
Merritt College has built a strong reputation for its nursing and health programs, which are particularly valued in the Oakland healthcare community. With a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions. The school operates on a semester system and focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Merritt College?
Graduates achieve an 89.0% employment rate, reflecting the school's focus on practical career training. Median earnings reach $44,392 ten years after enrollment, which is competitive for a community college. However, the 21.30% six-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer before graduating.
Where is Merritt College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Oakland, a large city environment that offers students urban opportunities and diverse cultural experiences. With 83 total athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as independent Panthers, athletics play a smaller role than academics. The student body is 65.36% women and diverse, with significant Hispanic, Black, Asian, and White populations.
Does Merritt College offer good support for low-income students?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $14,035, while those from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay slightly less at $13,694. Only 1.13% of students receive institutional grants averaging $3,605, and just 0.34% take federal loans. The low borrowing rate suggests most students can afford the college without significant debt.
