Samuel Merritt University Reviews

  • 29 Reviews
  • Oakland (CA)
  • Annual Tuition: $57,365
100% of 29 students said this degree improved their career prospects
93% of 29 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Jack
  • Reviewed: 2/6/2020
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"For anyone looking into the podiatry program at CSPM, please do whatever you can to avoid this school. The dean (stamps) only cares about profits, he works part time at kaiser, teaches a 1st year class, a 2nd year class, a 2nd year rotation, a 3rd year class, and a 3rd year rotation, all while allegedly “running” the podiatry program. You will he expected to attend mandatory courses taught by professors that don’t care. U will be responsible to learn everything on your own without any guidance or resources. The school will try to sell you on early clinical experience, which is the only advantage they can talk about, but they don’t tell you, you’ll also be required to take up to 6 classes during those rotations. The administrators are incompetent and will lose paperwork and prevent you from getting into your clerkships. All of the grading is completely subjective and you will not be given any chances for a rebuttal. The clinic experience will solely be nail trimming patients as fast as possible. There is no diversity of cases. You will leave the program with no clue on how to practice medicine, but you’ll be great at trimming nails. AVOID THIS PROGRAM and go literally anywhere else. Don’t believe me? Look at board scores/pass rates for part 1 and 2. This school is failing it’s students and charging more than any other podiatry school in the US"
Stacy Flores Andaya
  • Reviewed: 2/2/2018
  • Degree: Nurse Practitioner (Family)
"I currently attend Samuel Merritt University (SMU) at their Sacramento campus in their Entry Level Masters of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program. I chose SMU because of their great reputation of providing their students with the tools and knowledge to successfully graduate, find a job and start their career. While attending SMU, Ive had the pleasure of working with some of the most caring and intelligent professors and clinical instructors who really make sure you understand the material, feel comfortable with your patients and want you to do well not only in the program but afterwards in your career. The Sacramento campus in particular is such a small and close knit community that it allows you to form lasting relationships with professors, staff and students. The program is fast paced, especially in the first 16 months during pre-licensure. I would recommend this program to anyone who is self motivated and ready to make the sacrifices needed to complete an accelerated program."
Chelsi Rayford
  • Reviewed: 11/8/2017
  • Degree: Medical Assistant
"I would feel comfortable recommending my school to others. The PA program is extremely beneficial, as it will prepare me for working in the medical field. All of my professors where helpful, and took the time and effort to make sure we succeed. Only negative would be some of the schools resources, because I found them disorganized. For example, the financial aid office was not helpful, and I often felt confused when it came to school finances. Overall, the Physicians Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University is preparing me for my career, and successful in teaching me the skills to achieve my dreams!"
J
  • Reviewed: 11/3/2017
  • Degree: Physical Therapy
"This is an amazing school for PT, they have high expectations for their students and they make great PT by your 3rd year. The clinical hours is near double the expected norm and they have ton of connections with clinical sites that are amazing. I would recommend this school hands down for anyone interested in become a great PT."
Lyzah B.
  • Reviewed: 6/21/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"I will always treasure my experience in the Transition to Practice Program at Samuel Merritt University. I would have never landed a job in one of the most prestigious hospitals known to the Bay Area without this program. The refresher courses and lab simulations all accounted for my professional growth as a registered nurse. The clinical instructors and professors were approachable, friendly, and proficient in their knowledge. The program was organized throughout its duration. Every student had a designated schedule with contact information of their peers, instructors and preceptors. The flow of the curriculum really ensured that by the end of the program, the student will be confident as a registered nurse in the acute care field. Thank you Samuel Merritt for providing me with a foundation of learning which I will always apply as a competent bedside nurse committed to quality care!"
Rebecca Pell
  • Reviewed: 6/13/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"I am enrolled in an accelerated RN to FNP nursing program, requiring nonstop motivation and enthusiasm! The professors are passionate about nursing and support students fully on their path. The spirit of nursing and helping people is at the heart of Samuel Merritt and what it offers. Also, the simulation labs are outstanding and provide a unique learning experience."
Monique
  • Reviewed: 6/12/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"Samuel Merritt is a private, not-for-profit university with high tuition costs, which deters many students from applying. Though I do wish costs were lower, I do not regret attending Samuel Merritt. The school's reputation (among the nursing community; I can't speak for other programs) is excellent and improves job opportunities. The faculty is extremely approachable and attentive to the students' needs. I created a personal bond with almost all of my professors because of the friendly, supportive atmosphere that is created by faculty. There are also great health, financial and career resources available on campus. Yes, the tuition is high but the quality of education can't be beat. I feel prepared to enter the field of nursing with confidence that I have received proper training from a highly acclaimed institution."
Rashad
  • Reviewed: 3/25/2017
  • Degree: Physician Assistant
"At Samuel Merritt University, a sense of community is formed among the students and faculty that I have yet to experience at any other institution. With a total student enrollment of approximately 1,500 students, 65% of which are pursuing a masters degree or higher, a conducive environment is formed where students from different backgrounds can live and learn from one another as they prepare to become future leading medical professionals. One of the founding principles of SMU is giving back to the medically underserved community. With this principle in mind, the University has a direct purpose and role in the community, in which it promotes health and happiness to those who are in most need. This mission is reflected in their students by instilling empathy and compassion towards their patients, regardless of their background. I can say without a doubt and with confidence, from these experiences, that Samuel Merritt University provides an environment that all aspiring healthcare professionals should strive to experience as they develop increased personal and professional growth to positively change the world."
Sheena Smith
  • Reviewed: 3/17/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"Samuel Merritt University is a prestigious school. Although the price you pay is high, you also get what you pay for. There is much support for students including, but not limited to: academic success, tutoring, mentoring and other quirks. The only downfall to being a student is the price and lack of scholarships or financial support."
Shameeka
  • Reviewed: 3/8/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"Overall the BSN program helped prepare me well to become a RN. The professors are excellent and are very helpful during office hours. They really take the time to make sure you understand the material. Issues with paperwork and preceptorship placements occurred quite frequently however, so make sure you keep copies of everything and keep track of pending documents. They even have opportunities to travel abroad for medical missions which was an amazing experience for me."
Emily Murdock
  • Reviewed: 2/17/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"I am currently in the second online Nurse Case Management masters cohort. I also received my BSN from SMU. The new online master's program is rigorous and convenient. A student support adviser will assist you throughout the program. SMU worked with me to set-up a convenient payment plan. Comfort with technology is essential for the online program. My classmates are from all over the U.S. and are fantastic. I am looking forward to my precept placement next year."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 1/31/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"Good school education but most of it is self study"
Brittany Michelle Won
  • Reviewed: 9/14/2016
  • Degree: Occupational Therapy
"Samuel Merritt University (SMU) provided me with high quality education which is guiding me to become a competent occupational therapist. The faculty is made up of highly knowledgeable, evidence-based, and passionate professors who inspire and truly invest in and care for each individual student, a small faculty to student ratio (38:1) which allows for increased participation and engagement during class, and diverse clinical learning experiences which allow students opportunities to develop clinical reasoning in a hands-on manner. In conversation with peers from other universities, SMU is especially unique because of the heavy clinical exposure we have throughout the year which allows for an easier transition into becoming entry level professionals."
NICOLE JAGER
  • Reviewed: 7/22/2015
  • Degree: Occupational Therapy
"This university is has a very close-knit community and support group. With my program having such a small cohort has really helped in my study process. We are able to bounce off ideas and study skills with each other with easy. The only con would have to be the city location. Centered around downtown Oakland can have some concerning features."
Michael Jung
  • Reviewed: 3/5/2015
  • Degree: Nursing
"Our school has a nice simulation center to practice potential situations and we get a lot of clinical experience. Further, our faculty members always make an effort to keep up to date with the latest in news about nursing best practices. However, the tuition is extremely expensive and the surrounding area is dangerous."
Amanda McClain
  • Reviewed: 9/29/2014
  • Degree: Physical Therapy
"Pros: -The faculty are accessible and they want you to succeed -The quality of education is high, but it is important to remember that most of your best learning will be done in clinic -A lot of clinical rotation opportunities Cons: -The schedule is so busy that you will not have time to work -High cost -Stressful program"
Megan Ishibashi
  • Reviewed: 8/7/2014
  • Degree: Biology
"The California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University is a competitive, diverse, and overall incredible program. The faculty and staff are always accessible however, this school could update their use of technology. The campus is in the middle of Oakland, CA, which is an up-and-coming city in the Bay Area."
Mindy Diep
  • Reviewed: 8/4/2014
  • Degree: Physical Therapy
"I am in the DPT program at Samuel Merritt University (SMU). What I enjoy and appreciate about SMU is that it incorporates a lot of clinical experience into the DPT program, an essential component as I am a kinesthetic and visual learner. Likewise, as each class size is small, I have the opportunity to interact more with my fellow classmates and faculty. Additionally, though the workload is challenging, I realize that SMU is dedicated towards challenging its students to become intuitive, fast-acting and informed physical therapists. One of the cons that I have noticed is that SMU is situated in an unsafe environment, where it may be dangerous for a student to be by himself or herself at night. Additionally, another con is that SMU does not provide enough financial aid for those who are not necessarily economically disadvantaged, yet are still in need of money."
Joanna Bianca Codilla
  • Reviewed: 6/15/2014
  • Degree: Occupational Therapy
"Pro - how well the faculty cares about their students Con - the surrounding area of the campus"
Alicia Lueth
  • Reviewed: 5/27/2014
  • Degree: Physical Therapy
"From my initial interviews for admission, I knew I was not just a number to the faculty at Samuel Merritt University. The faculty sought to know me as an individual and has been my advocate as I seek to develop myself in the field of physical therapy. It has been wonderful to be a part of a close supportive community which is continually seeking to improve and expand upon their area of expertise through empirical study. Though I was initially concerned with the campus' location (the surrounding demographics and lack of greenery I was used to), the community clinics melted my heart of fear with the compassion which developed for the underprivileged population our class served. I would highly recommend Samuel Merritt University to any pre-physical therapy student who is seeking a program which not only teaches them the science of physical therapy but the heart of it as well."