Bethune-Cookman vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bethune Cookman University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (2,853 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethune Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach, FL (Small City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Bethune Cookman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethune Cookman University 17:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Bethune-Cookman vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethune-Cookman 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 Bethune Cookman University than Mercyhurst University ($12,476 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethune Cookman University are 28.5% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($10,396 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 209.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethune-Cookman (about $30,976 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,794.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.4% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Bethune Cookman University (about $30,976 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,794.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Bethune Cookman University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 97.6% larger than aid received by Bethune Cookman University students ($33,949 vs. $17,181).

Bethune-Cookman vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethune-Cookman 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 Bethune-Cookman.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethune Cookman University 830/990.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethune-Cookman - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Bethune-Cookman (3.3).
• Bethune-Cookman has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at Bethune-Cookman vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Bethune-Cookman vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethune-Cookman 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 Bethune Cookman University's (37%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Bethune-Cookman graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $31,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $9,287 lower median loan debt than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($26,698 vs. $35,985).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethune-Cookman graduates ($276 vs. $372).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethune-Cookman students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 20%)

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.