Mercer vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Mercer vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Calvin 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 Mercer University than Calvin University ($24,364 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 20% lower than at Mercer University ($12,120 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $2,962 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Mercer than at Calvin University (about $2,962 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 16.1% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($33,808 vs. $29,123).

Mercer vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Calvin 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 Calvin University and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Calvin University (3.84).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Mercer vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Calvin 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).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($258 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.