Centenary University vs. Mercy

Comparable Facts

Compare Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ with Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (8,991 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Centenary University is located in Hackettstown, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Mercy University is in Dobbs Ferry, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Centenary University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Centenary University 12:1; Mercy University 16:1.

Centenary University vs. Mercy Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Centenary University or Mercy? 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 Mercy University than Centenary University ($15,200 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 17.7% lower than at Mercy University ($12,552 vs. $15,250).
• Centenary University is 64.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy (about $14,852 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.9% higher at Centenary University than at Mercy University (about $14,852 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University as at Mercy University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 67.7% larger than aid received by Mercy University students ($29,617 vs. $17,664).

Centenary University vs. Mercy Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Centenary University or Mercy? 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 Mercy and Centenary University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercy University (1130) is 50 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Incoming Mercy students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Centenary University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 990/1170; Mercy University 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Centenary University 15/22; Mercy University 21/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Centenary University - Test optional; Mercy - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Centenary University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Mercy (3.19).
• Mercy has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Centenary University vs. 14.3% at Mercy.

Centenary University vs. Mercy Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Centenary University and Mercy? 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Mercy University's (31%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Mercy graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy University graduates have a $1,801 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($23,699 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Mercy graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($245 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 40%)

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.