Bowie State University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Bowie State University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State 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 Bowie State University than Mercyhurst University ($17,287 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 15.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,241 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 396.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $36,552 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Bowie State University (about $25,832 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Bowie State University (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 397.9% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($33,949 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State 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 Bowie State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Bowie State University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State 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 Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $2,307 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($24,391 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($252 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 29%)

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.