CalArts vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,277 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

CalArts vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts 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 Mercyhurst University than CalArts ($25,946 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Institute of the Arts are 2.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($14,134 vs. $14,540).
• California Institute of the Arts is 28.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercyhurst University (about $13,226 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at CalArts than at Mercyhurst University (about $13,226 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at California Institute of the Arts (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 58.5% larger than aid received by California Institute of the Arts students ($33,949 vs. $21,416).

CalArts vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts 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 CalArts.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than CalArts (32.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.9% at CalArts vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

CalArts vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts 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 California Institute of the Arts's (65%).
• Graduates from California Institute of the Arts earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $1,802 lower median loan debt than CalArts graduates ($26,698 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CalArts graduates ($276 vs. $294).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.