- The mission of Merritt College is to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve by helping students to attain knowledge, master skills, develop the appreciation, attitudes and values needed to succeed and participate responsibly in a democratic society.
School Highlights
Merritt College serves 11,059 students (13% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 11,059 students
- In-state tuition: $1,144
- Out-state tuition: $6,256
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minority enrollment: 84%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Merritt College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 216 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Merritt College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
216 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Merritt College has grown by 61% over five years.
The Merritt College diversity score of 0.79 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,059 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
51:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
1,398 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
9,661 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
110 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,398 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
9,661 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
19%
13%
% Hispanic
32%
47%
% Black
21%
7%
% White
16%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
4%
3%
Diversity Score
0.79
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2069%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,144 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,256 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,144
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,256
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
58%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$14,875
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
100%
92%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Merritt College and academic tradition are synonymous. Its over 40-year tradition of academic excellence is prominently manifested in its distinguished alumni and faculty who taught them. Annually, four-year colleges and universities across the state are eager recipients of Merritt transfer students from medicine and law, to art and science. Always the community college innovator, Merritt boasts many unique occupational programs such as its much touted nursing and health professions, community social services/substance abuse counselor, environmental hazardous materials technology, computer information systems, landscape horticulture and environmental management, paralegal studies and restoration technology. There are many benefits that make Merritt the first choice of over 6,000 students each semester. Merritt cares. You can be assured of small classes, caring faculty, friendly admissions staff, and first class support services. Merritt has a great location. The campus is nestled in the scenic Oakland hills with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay out through the Golden Gate. A safe, clean, cheerful environment awaits your ascent to Merritt's opportunities. Merritt has a wide array of excellent courses taught by very caring and knowledgeable faculty. Our professional staff is eager to help you develop an educational plan which will make your dreams become a reality. Merritt has a wide range of services and resources provided by friendly, helpful, and devoted professional staff. The entire Merritt College family is committed to contributing to your success as a student. Merritt college has a rich cultural diversity of students from many ethnic groups which provides a positive and enriching learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Merritt College cost?
Merritt College's tuition is approximately $1,144 for In-State students and $6,256 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Merritt College?
The acceptance rate of Merritt College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 92%.
What is Merritt College's ranking?
Merritt College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Diversity in US community colleges.
In what neighborhood is Merritt College located?
Merritt College is located in the Caballo Hills neighborhood of Oakland, CA.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
