At Samuel Merritt University, you’ll join an active community of committed and compassionate health professional students. SMU is one of the largest sources of new registered nurses in California and is also the largest provider of physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants, and podiatric physicians in Northern California. The University strives to reflect the community it serves by recruiting students with a variety of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Imagine You at SMU
SMU is home to more than 2,700 students from around the U.S. and the world. If you want to make a difference, you’ll fit right in.
Among this diverse group, you’ll find highly dedicated and engaged aspiring health care professionals. Our students are active in their communities and beyond, working to support and serve underrepresented populations through clinics and other volunteer work.
At SMU, you’ll find both academic and personal support, such as tutoring and writing assistance, and health and wellness services. Between classes, you’ll have plenty of places on or near campus to study, recharge, grab a bite to eat, or even play a pickup volleyball game.
SMU has a strong reputation for personalized education and outstanding instruction. Our faculty bring impressive academic and clinical experience to the classroom and a deep commitment to students and to the community.
If you’re looking to take a break from the rigor of classwork, you can get involved with student groups, attend social and educational events, participate in community activities, and, in your downtime, enjoy all the Bay Area and Northern California have to offer.
Home in Oakland
Our main campus is located in Oakland, one of the most diverse cities in the country. In fact, you’ll find more than 150 languages spoken among its 400,000 residents.
We’re just a short BART ride (our rail service) to bustling San Francisco, and you’ll also have easy access to the natural beauty of Muir Woods and Golden Gate Park.
Student Housing Opportunity
Dorms at Woodminster Terrace are available to Samuel Merritt University students. Near the SMU Oakland campus, this housing option is only 6.4 miles away. Visit their website for more information (https://thedormsatwoodminsterterrace.com).
Affordable price - Rooms start at $1150 and this includes ALL amenities and utilities! Plus, deposit is being waived as a Special Offer exclusively for Samuel Merritt Students for a limited time.
Shuttle service, car rideshare, and parking on site. The grocery store and coffee shop is only down the street.
The Dorms at Woodminster come furnished with sinks, dressers, wardrobes, mini-fridges, laundry, and fiber optic Wi-Fi.
Study lounges, a fitness center, yoga studio, a game room, and a movie lounge.
From Napa Valley to the Capital Region, there’s so much to see and do in Northern California near all of our campuses, each of which offers select degree programs.
SMU’s student services staff is here to support and guide you through your educational journey, from academic and financial assistance to health, wellness, and counseling services.
SMU offers dozens of student organizations, including professional societies and cultural clubs. These unique opportunities extend beyond the classroom and enable students to explore new worlds and connect with fellow students and local and global communities.
