Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Gustavus Adolphus College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,906 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gustavus Adolphus College is located in Saint Peter, MN (Remote Town setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Gustavus Adolphus College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gustavus Adolphus College 12:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gustavus Adolphus College 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 Gustavus Adolphus College ($25,946 vs. $26,094).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gustavus Adolphus College are 18.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,804 vs. $14,540).
• Gustavus Adolphus College is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercyhurst University (about $10,306 more per year; $56,076.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.5% higher at Gustavus Adolphus College than at Mercyhurst University (about $10,306 more per year; $56,076.00 vs. $45,770.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gustavus Adolphus College as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gustavus Adolphus College students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Mercyhurst University students ($41,450 vs. $33,949).

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gustavus Adolphus College 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 Gustavus Adolphus College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gustavus Adolphus College - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gustavus Adolphus College Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gustavus Adolphus College students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Gustavus Adolphus College (61%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.2% at Gustavus Adolphus College vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Gustavus Adolphus College vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gustavus Adolphus College 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).

• Gustavus Adolphus College's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Mercyhurst University's (68%).
• Graduates from Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than Gustavus Adolphus College graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gustavus Adolphus College graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Gustavus Adolphus College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.