Edward Waters University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Edward Waters University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University than Mercyhurst University ($12,029 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 41.1% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($8,571 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 179.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Edward Waters University (about $29,404 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 179.7% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Edward Waters University (about $29,404 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Edward Waters University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 132.7% larger than aid received by Edward Waters University students ($33,949 vs. $14,588).

Edward Waters University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Edward Waters University (2.64).
• Edward Waters University has a higher acceptance rate (84.9%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Edward Waters University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 14%)

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.