Mercer vs. Berea College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Berea College in Berea, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Berea College based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Berea College is in Berea, KY (Distant Town setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Berea College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Berea College 9:1.

Mercer vs. Berea College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Berea College? 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 Berea College than Mercer ($5,888 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Berea College are 45.8% lower than at Mercer University ($8,208 vs. $15,156).
• Berea College is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $9,346 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Berea College than at Mercer University (about $9,346 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Berea College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Berea College students is 62.2% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($54,830 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Berea College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Berea College (1250).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Berea College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Berea College 1156/1335.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Berea College 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Berea College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Berea College Mar 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Berea College (3.62).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Berea College (19.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 53.8% at Berea College.

Mercer vs. Berea College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Berea College? 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).

• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Berea College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $36,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Berea College graduates have a $19,200 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($5,800 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Berea College graduates have an estimated $199 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($59 vs. $258).
• More Berea College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.