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.
Acceptance Rate
Merritt College is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Merritt College (Merced Community College District) is 100%. This means that all applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are Merritt College Admissions?
- Not Competitive: Applicants with satisfactory academics can easily secure admission.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
However, a 100% acceptance rate or open admission policy does not guarantee admission. Every institution has minimum eligibility criteria. If you meet these conditions, then you can be certain of admission. Additionally, to secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies.
Merritt College Admission Requirements
Can I Get Into Merced Community College District Without SAT Or ACT?: The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Merritt College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Merritt College (Merced Community College District) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
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: 21122. 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: 14376
How can I get a scholarship?
9.46% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0.24 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 Merced Community College District 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 for Merritt College?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $21122 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Merritt College?
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 to Merritt College from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Merritt College each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Merritt College?
Answer: The campus culture at Merritt College is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Merritt College?
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.