Mercer vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Cedarville University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 6,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

Mercer vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University ($24,364 vs. $27,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 36.8% lower than at Mercer University ($9,574 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $5,162 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.9% higher at Mercer than at Cedarville University (about $5,162 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Cedarville University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 52.4% larger than aid received by Cedarville University students ($33,808 vs. $22,177).

Mercer vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Cedarville University (3.9).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Cedarville University (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

Mercer vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Cedarville 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).

• Cedarville University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Cedarville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.