Mercer vs. Clemson

Comparable Facts

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

Clemson University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (29,077 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Clemson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Clemson? 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 Clemson ($24,364 vs. $25,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clemson University are 12.4% lower than at Mercer University ($13,284 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 172% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clemson (about $26,758 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $15,554.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Mercer than at Clemson University (about $1,446 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $40,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Clemson University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 196.8% larger than aid received by Clemson University students ($33,808 vs. $11,389).

Mercer vs. Clemson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clemson University (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Clemson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Clemson University 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Clemson University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Clemson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Clemson May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Clemson (3.75).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Clemson (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 20.7% at Clemson.

Mercer vs. Clemson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Clemson? 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).

• Clemson University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Clemson graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $57,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clemson University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Clemson graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Clemson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.