Mercer vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

Mercer vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or ASU? 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 Appalachian State University than Mercer ($14,978 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 15.1% lower than at Mercer University ($12,868 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 458.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $34,733 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.8% higher at Mercer than at Appalachian State University (about $17,100 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 321.9% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($33,808 vs. $8,014).

Mercer vs. ASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 60 points higher than at ASU (1200).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at ASU (3.96).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 18.2% at ASU.

Mercer vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and ASU? 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.