GS vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Georgia Southern University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Mercer University 11:1.

GS vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS or Mercer? 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 Georgia Southern University than Mercer ($15,971 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 24.2% lower than at Mercer University ($11,492 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 602.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $36,290 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138.6% higher at Mercer than at Georgia Southern University (about $24,578 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $17,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Georgia Southern University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 275.9% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($33,808 vs. $8,994).

GS vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GS or Mercer? 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 Mercer and GS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 200 points higher than at GS (1060).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at GS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at GS (3.36).
• GS has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

GS vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS and Mercer? 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).

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Georgia Southern University's (47%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than GS graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Georgia Southern University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GS graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More GS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 45%)

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.