Central State University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Central State University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central 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 Central State University than Mercyhurst University ($11,398 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 17.3% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,026 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 468% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $37,712 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 355.1% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Central State University (about $35,712 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 82% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($33,949 vs. $18,654).

Central State University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Central State University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $12,302 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($26,698 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($276 vs. $403).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 16%)

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.