Merritt College is a vital educational institution serving Oakland and the East Bay region from its 125-acre hillside campus with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Established in 1953 as part of the Peralta Community College District, the college has developed particular strengths in health sciences, public safety, and environmental studies that reflect its urban community's needs. Merritt's renowned nursing program operates from the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building, while its administration of justice and fire science programs train first responders for the entire Bay Area.
The campus features unique facilities including a licensed child development center, a horticulture nursery with drought-tolerant plant displays, and the Peralta Colleges Television Studio. Merritt's 'Peralta Promise' program provides tuition-free education for first-time students, while its 'Umoja' and 'Puente' programs support African American and Latino student success. The college maintains strong partnerships with Highland Hospital and other community organizations, and its sustainability initiatives include organic gardens, a food forest, and one of California's first community college-based urban agriculture programs. Merritt College combines academic excellence with deep community engagement to serve its diverse student population.
Merritt College Acceptance Rate
Merritt College (Merced Community College District) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Merritt College Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Merritt College (Merced Community College District) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Merced Community College District Profile
Name: Merritt College (Merced Community College District)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
How much does a degree from Merced Community College District Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Merritt College is USD: 22559. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Merritt College is USD: 14742
How can I get a scholarship?
9.36% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0.34 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Merced Community College District and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Merritt College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Merced Community College District as your choice in the form.
How much a Merced Community College District Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 44392. An average Merced Community College District graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
Frequently Asked Questions About Merritt College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44392 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22559 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Merritt College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.