Student Experience
At Samuel Merritt University, you'll join a community of students preparing to care for others. You'll learn alongside people who understand the demands of healthcare education and share your commitment to improving lives.
A Community Built Around Healthcare
Samuel Merritt University is home to more than 2,700 students from across the country and around the world. Because every program is focused on healthcare, you'll be part of a diverse community united by a common purpose.
Your classmates are preparing for careers in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and other healthcare professions. You'll learn with people who understand the challenges of professional education and support one another along the way.
Faculty and staff are part of that community, creating an environment where you'll be challenged academically while having access to the guidance and support you need to succeed.
Home in Oakland
SMU's main campus is in the heart of Oakland, one of the Bay Area's most diverse and distinctive cities. Students learn in a community shaped by different cultures and perspectives, with access to healthcare organizations and community partners throughout the region.
Outside of class, Oakland offers parks and trails, restaurants, arts and cultural destinations, and an active waterfront. Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, the Oakland Museum of California, and the Oakland Zoo are all nearby, while BART makes San Francisco easy to reach.
The Bay Area also puts students within reach of destinations such as Muir Woods, Golden Gate Park, and the broader Northern California coast.
Life in Northern California
Oakland is SMU's largest campus, but the student experience extends across Northern California. SMU also has campuses in Sacramento, Fresno, and on the San Francisco Peninsula, each offering select academic programs.
From the Bay Area to the Capital Region and Central Valley, students study in communities with their own character and connections to healthcare. Wherever you attend SMU, you'll have opportunities to experience Northern California while preparing for your career.
Student Services
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.
Clubs & Organizations
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.
Life at SMU
Life at SMU is an extension of its local and global communities.
