Merritt College
General Information of Merritt College
Overview of Merritt College
Merritt College is a public community college located in Oakland, California, nestled in the hills above the San Francisco Bay area. The institution serves a diverse student body with an emphasis on access, equity, and community‑engaged learning. With a mission to put students first, Merritt offers programs that support personal growth, academic achievement, and career readiness in a richly multicultural environment. The campus delivers both academic and vocational credentials, allowing students to pursue transfer pathways to four‑year institutions as well as direct career training.
The college prides itself on small class sizes, personalized advising, and a thoughtful approach to removing barriers to student success. Located in a compelling natural setting, Merritt combines its commitment to educational excellence with a strong sense of social justice, boasting values of equity, inclusion, diversity and civic engagement. Its innovative programs, community partnerships and flexible scheduling make it well suited to serve first‑generation students, working adults and those seeking vocational credentials. Merritt’s strategic focus on completion, transfer and employment ensures that students receive both theoretical and applied preparation in their chosen fields.
Contact Information of Merritt College
Address: 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, California 94619‑3196
Phone: (510) 531‑4911
Email: admissions@merritt.edu
School Facts of Merritt College
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1954 |
| Motto | Student access and success through equity, inclusion, and social justice |
| Type | Public community college |
| Accreditation | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) |
| Campus Setting | Hillside urban campus in Oakland |
Merritt College Rankings
| Ranking Type | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Not typically ranked among four‑year universities; recognized regionally for community college quality and access |
| Global | Not applicable |
Merritt College Academics
Merritt College Faculties / Departments
- Business, Entrepreneurship & Applied Technology Department
- Health, Nursing & Wellness Department
- Social & Behavioral Sciences, Human Services & Education Department
- Science, Engineering & Math (STEM) and Environmental Studies Department
- Liberal Arts, Humanities & Communication Department
- Career Technical Education Department
Merritt College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Science in Nursing (AS)
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
- Certificate in Business Entrepreneurship
- Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Certificate in Environmental Studies
- Transfer‑ready Associate Degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM fields
- Workforce Certificates in Health Care, Business, Technology
Online Learning
Merritt College offers numerous online and hybrid course offerings to support students with varying schedules and obligations. Many programs provide flexibility by allowing theory and lecture components to be completed remotely, while labs or in‑person sessions are reserved for practical or hands‑on work as required. Online enrollment has been significantly adopted, with thousands of students participating fully online or in blended modalities. This flexibility supports adult learners, working students and those balancing family commitments while pursuing higher education.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required for admission; open admissions model |
| ACT | Not required |
| GRE | Not applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Merritt College reports relatively modest full‑time retention and graduation figures typical of many community colleges serving under‑represented populations. For example, full‑time retention is estimated at approximately 51% and the graduation rate around 21% according to one profile. These statistics reflect the complexity of student populations, many of whom are part‑time, working while studying, or balancing other life responsibilities. Merritt’s strategic plan includes goals to increase completion, transfer, and employment outcomes through targeted support services and equity‑focused initiatives.
Merritt College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Merritt College operates under an open admissions policy. Applicants generally must have a high school diploma or GED or be able to place into college‑level coursework. There are no minimum required SAT or ACT scores or strict GPA thresholds for admission. The emphasis is on access and student readiness rather than standardized testing.
Merritt College Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Approximately 100% (open admissions) |
Merritt College Application Requirements
Prospective students applying to Merritt College must complete an application, submit proof of high school graduation or GED equivalency (or meet placement requirements), and participate in orientation and assessment processes. While no essay is required for general admission, certain programs (such as nursing or selective workforce certificates) may require additional screening, interviews, or prerequisite coursework. The college encourages early connection with an advisor to align academic and career plans, and supports students in navigating financial aid, placement assessments, and course registration efficiently and effectively.
Application Process
- Submit completed admissions application
- Provide high school diploma or GED certificate or meet placement requirements
- Take placement assessments or provide prior college transcripts if applicable
- Meet with an academic or career advisor to plan program goals
- Attend orientation session and student services onboarding
- Register for courses and begin classes
Merritt College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | Recommended application in late summer; rolling admission |
| Spring Term | Recommended in early winter; subject to seat availability |
| Summer Sessions | Vary by program; check with admissions for start dates |
Essay Prompt
Not typically required for general admission to Merritt College. Some specialized or competitive programs may request a personal statement, short essay or professional goal write‑up.
Merritt College Scholarships
Merritt College offers scholarship opportunities through its college foundation, including merit‑based, need‑based, and program‑specific awards. Students may also access federal and state grants, work‑study funding and other financial aid to support training and educational progression. The college encourages students to apply early for scholarships and consult the financial aid office to maximize available resources.
Merritt College Tuition Fee
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| In‑state California residents | Around $1,258 per year |
| Out‑of‑state students | Approximately $9,898 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics of Merritt College
Student Demographics
Merritt College serves a diverse student cohort with approximately 6,716 students enrolled in the 2023‑2024 academic year. Female students represent around 63% of the population, while male students account for approximately 37%. The campus offers both full‑time (about 1,023 students) and part‑time enrollment options (about 5,693 students). Racial and ethnic composition shows approximately 33.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.3% Black or African American, 16.8% Asian, 16.7% White, and 5.5% two or more races. Age distribution spans traditional college‑age students as well as adult learners, with a notable share of students over 25 years old, reflecting Merritt’s role in community education and workforce retraining.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Merritt College places significant emphasis on equity, providing academic accommodations, support services and financial aid resources for low‑income students and students with disabilities. The college fosters inclusive access through its mission and equity commitments, offering adaptive technologies, tutoring, counseling and disability services. It strives to remove systemic barriers and support historically underserved student populations, aligning with its values of inclusion and social justice.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 6,716 (2023‑2024) |
| International Students | Small proportion |
| Full‑Time Students | Approximately 1,023 |
| Part‑Time Students | Approximately 5,693 |
University Diversity
Merritt College stands out for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. With a student body reflecting wide racial, ethnic, gender and age variation, the institution cultivates an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and learning is enriched by cultural breadth. The college’s stated mission includes equity, inclusion, diversity and social justice, meaning that programs, policies and student support structures are designed to foster access and success for all. Adult learners and traditional students study side by side, bringing a range of life experiences into the classroom and workplace‑readiness activities. The inclusive culture promotes cross‑cultural awareness and prepares students for working in diverse professional settings.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Merritt College enter a variety of fields including health care, business, technology, education and services. While precise salary data vary widely by program, many vocational and transfer‑preparation graduates can expect starting salaries in the range of $40,000‑$60,000 or more depending on experience, geography and credential level. As alumni gain additional credentials, certifications or transfer to four‑year institutions, earning potential typically increases. The college’s focus on workforce alignment and career pathways contributes to upward mobility for its graduates.
Merritt College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Merritt College’s faculty and staff are comprised of committed professionals, many of whom bring significant industry and academic experience to their roles. Instructors engage in classroom teaching, lab supervision, student mentorship and program development. Administrative staff—including academic advisors, disability services personnel, financial aid officers and career counselors—support students throughout their educational journey from admission to graduation and transfer. The college emphasizes student‑centered support and professional development for staff to improve student outcomes.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Merritt College hold appropriate academic credentials, relevant certifications and often have real‑world experience in their respective fields. Many contribute to industry partnerships, curriculum innovation, and community collaboration. Their work aligns with the institution’s goals of equity, inclusion and career readiness, and they are active in supporting student success, helping bridge academic ground and workforce application. The diverse faculty body further enhances representation and cultural competence in teaching and advising.
Merritt College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Merritt College’s campus is situated on approximately 125 acres in the hills of East Oakland, offering sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay area. The campus features modern academic buildings, labs, student services areas, library resources and green spaces. As a community college, Merritt does not emphasize on‑campus housing; most students commute and arrange off‑campus housing. Local rental options in Oakland vary broadly, with average costs for apartments ranging from approximately $1,200 to $2,500 per month depending on amenities and location. Student life is enriched through student clubs, study groups, workshops, career fairs and community events designed to foster engagement and academic progression.
Transportation
The college campus is accessible from major Bay Area transit routes. Students commute via bus lines, rideshare options, bicycles and personal vehicles, with on‑site parking and bike‑rack facilities available. The elevated campus location delivers a scenic setting, though the commute may require longer travel times depending on transit connections. Evening and weekend class offerings further support commuting students by accommodating flexible schedules and transportation constraints.