Mercer vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Drake University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Drake University 11:1.

Mercer vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Drake? 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 Drake ($24,364 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 17.8% lower than at Mercer University ($12,452 vs. $15,156).
• Drake University is 23.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $9,818 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.2% higher at Drake than at Mercer University (about $9,818 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Drake University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 5% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($35,498 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Drake Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Drake - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 9.8% at Drake.

Mercer vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Drake? 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Drake 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.