Mercer vs. Butler

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Butler University in Indianapolis, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Butler University is in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Butler University 11:1.

Mercer vs. Butler Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Butler? 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 Mercer University than Butler ($24,364 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 7.8% lower than at Butler University ($15,156 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $5,248 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Butler than at Mercer University (about $5,248 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($33,808 vs. $27,790).

Mercer vs. Butler Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is the same as at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Butler (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Butler University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Butler University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Butler - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Butler (3.92).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 12.9% at Butler.

Mercer vs. Butler Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Butler? 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.