Bluffton University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Bluffton University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University 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 Bluffton University than Mercyhurst University ($20,429 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 16% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,220 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluffton University (about $8,408 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Bluffton University (about $8,408 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Bluffton University students ($33,949 vs. $31,481).

Bluffton University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University 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 Bluffton University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Bluffton University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University 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 Bluffton University's (59%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.