Biola University vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Biola University vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Mercer? 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 Mercer University than Biola University ($24,364 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 13.4% lower than at Mercer University ($13,130 vs. $15,156).
• Biola University is 15.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $6,672 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at Biola University than at Mercer University (about $6,672 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Biola University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($33,808 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Mercer? 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 Mercer and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Biola University vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Mercer? 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).

• Biola University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 45%)

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.