SMU Academic Calendar

Samuel Merritt University, located in California, operates on a trimester-based academic calendar, which divides the year into three primary terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer. This structure allows for accelerated learning and flexibility, particularly for students in health sciences programs for which the university is well-known. Typically, the Fall term begins in late August or early September and concludes in December, the Spring term runs from January to April, and the Summer term spans May through August. This system often includes shorter, intensive sessions within each trimester, catering to the university's focus on professional and clinical education with minimal extended breaks outside of major holidays.

• Fall Trimester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of classes after Labor Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–28, 2025 (aligned with the national holiday, campus closed).
• Fall Trimester End: December 19, 2025 (includes final exams and assessments).
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (extended holiday period).
• Spring Trimester Start: January 5, 2026 (classes resume post-holiday).
• Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (one-week break, subject to program-specific schedules).
• Spring Trimester End: April 24, 2026 (end of term assessments).
• Summer Trimester Start: May 4, 2026 (intensive session begins).
• Commencement Ceremony: Late May or early June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed).

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 entry; non-binding, with decisions by mid-December).
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (standard application deadline; decisions by late March).
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 2, 2025 (submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (confirm intent to enroll; date may vary by program).
• International Student Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing).

The academic calendar at Samuel Merritt University aligns with many California-based institutions by incorporating key national holidays like Thanksgiving and Independence Day into its breaks, though its trimester system offers less downtime compared to traditional semester-based universities. This structure may pose unique scheduling considerations for international students, who must plan travel and visa renewals around shorter breaks. Additionally, the university’s focus on health sciences means some programs may have clinical rotations or practicums that deviate from the standard calendar, requiring extra flexibility. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications as they become available.