Jacksonville State University vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Jacksonville State University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (9,955 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, AL (Small Suburban setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Jacksonville State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jacksonville State University 19:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Jacksonville State University vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jacksonville State University 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 Jacksonville State University than Mercer ($14,221 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Jacksonville State University are 37.2% lower than at Mercer University ($9,524 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 228.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jacksonville State University (about $29,418 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $12,894.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.3% higher at Mercer than at Jacksonville State University (about $18,978 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $23,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville State University as at Mercer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 240.6% larger than aid received by Jacksonville State University students ($33,808 vs. $9,925).

Jacksonville State University vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Jacksonville State University (1150).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at Jacksonville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville State University 1000/1290; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville State University 17/24; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jacksonville State University - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Jacksonville State University (3.43).
• Jacksonville State University has a higher acceptance rate (77.7%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Jacksonville State University vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Jacksonville State University vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jacksonville State University 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 Jacksonville State University's (32%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than Jacksonville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jacksonville State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Jacksonville State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Mercer graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jacksonville State University students, three years after graduation. (45% vs. 39%)

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.