California Institute of Technology vs Samuel Merritt University
Graduates of Samuel Merritt University earn $14,672 more per year at the 10-year mark ($143,238 vs $128,566).
Admissions & Outcomes
Pasadena, CA
Oakland, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Samuel Merritt University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
California Institute of Technology
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$155,297
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$83,177
Samuel Merritt University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$110,846
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
California Institute of Technology
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Physics
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Samuel Merritt University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
California Institute of Technology
- International students32%
- Tuition (international)$54,570
- Est. total cost/year$74,199
- School typePublic
Samuel Merritt University
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$49,136
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 32% international enrollment, California Institute of Technology likely has a well-established international student community.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which school has higher earnings: California Institute of Technology or Samuel Merritt University?
Samuel Merritt University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $143,238 compared to $128,566. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which school has more international students: California Institute of Technology or Samuel Merritt University?
California Institute of Technology has a larger international student population at 32% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at California Institute of Technology and Samuel Merritt University?
At California Institute of Technology, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $155,297 within two years. At Samuel Merritt University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $110,846. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.