Alma College vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alma College in Alma, MI with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Alma College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,197 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alma College is located in Alma, MI (Distant Town setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Alma College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alma College 14:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Alma College vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alma College or Mercyhurst University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alma College than Mercyhurst University ($22,094 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alma College are 2.5% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($14,180 vs. $14,540).
• Alma College is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercyhurst University (about $3,782 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Alma College than at Mercyhurst University (about $3,782 more per year; $49,552.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alma College as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alma College students is 22.6% larger than aid received by Mercyhurst University students ($41,618 vs. $33,949).

Alma College vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alma College or Mercyhurst University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mercyhurst University and Alma College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alma College - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alma College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Alma College (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Alma College vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Alma College vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alma College and Mercyhurst University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Alma College's (67%).
• Graduates from Alma College earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than Alma College graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alma College graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Alma College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.