Oakland health-science college tops earnings rankings, outpacing Ivy League schools

Samuel Merritt University, a private nonprofit college in Oakland with fewer than 1,000 undergraduates, earned the third-highest median graduate salary of $148,182 according to the College Scorecard, outpacing both Harvard and Stanford. The ranking reflects the university’s concentration on nursing and health-science degrees, fields that command high wages in California, where registered nurses earn an average of $150,280.

Its Bay Area setting also contributes, as the region reports a median household income of $135,590, among the nation’s highest. Students do not live on campus but receive discounted housing through local partners and have access to a food pantry, fostering a supportive community atmosphere. Typical federal loan debt for nursing majors is around $20,000, yet graduates see earnings comparable to MIT alumni, the overall top-earning school. The combination of a lucrative local healthcare market and the school’s specialized curriculum explains its strong placement in the earnings list.