Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Merritt College

Oakland, CA

Total Enrollment

12,667

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

49

49 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,920

12,667 part-time

Total FTE

3,641

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
12,667
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 49
High diversity
~259 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Merritt College operates as a large trade college with 12,667 students across 49 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 12,667 students, Merritt College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 49 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,920 (23.6%)
23.6%
Part-Time Students 12,667 (76.4%)
76.4%
Total Students 16,587

Majority part-time students (76.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (30.9%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
63.7%
8,071 students
Men
36.3%
4,596 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
34.0%
4,303 students
Hispanic/Latino
34.0% (4,303)
Black/African American
22.3% (2,820)
Asian
16.8% (2,132)
White
16.5% (2,085)
Two or More Races
5.6% (708)
International Students
0.6% (74)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.4% (52)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (20)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 12,667 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 34% of the student body (4,303 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

16,587 students

36% Men, 64% Women
3,920 Full-time
Diversity Index: 78% • Minority Students: 73%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,023
All full-time students
372 men, 651 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Undergraduate

1,023
Full-time undergraduate
372 men, 651 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Degree-Seeking

937
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
341 men, 596 women
Diversity: 79%

FT First-Time

133
Full-time first-time students
65 men, 68 women
Diversity: 78%

FT Continuing

804
Full-time continuing students
276 men, 528 women
Diversity: 79%

Part-Time Students

All Students

6,716
All students total
2,460 men, 4,256 women
Diversity: 78%

Transfer

1,172
Transfer-in students
464 men, 708 women
Diversity: 80%

Continuing

3,216
Continuing students
997 men, 2,219 women
Diversity: 79%

Non-Degree

1,563
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
675 men, 888 women
Diversity: 69%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,721
White
3,808
Black/African American
5,527
Hispanic/Latino
2,732
Asian
94
International
Diversity Index: 78% Minority Students: 73%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Merritt College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Merritt College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 12,667 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
• Academic Intensity: 3,641 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (65% exclusively online).
• Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

5105314911

Address

12500 Campus Dr

Oakland, CA 94619-3196

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials