Mercer vs. CofC

Comparable Facts

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

College of Charleston is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. CofC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or CofC? 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 College of Charleston than Mercer ($21,004 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Charleston are 5.4% lower than at Mercer University ($14,332 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 226% more expensive for in-state tuition than CofC (about $29,334 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $12,978.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Mercer than at College of Charleston (about $4,016 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $38,296.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at College of Charleston (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 276.4% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($33,808 vs. $8,983).

Mercer vs. CofC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 30 points higher than at CofC (1230).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at CofC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; College of Charleston 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; College of Charleston 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; CofC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at CofC (3.94).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 11.9% at CofC.

Mercer vs. CofC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and CofC? 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).

• College of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than CofC graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More CofC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.