Mercer vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Drexel University 9:1.

Mercer vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($24,364 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 16.2% lower than at Drexel University ($15,156 vs. $18,096).
• Drexel University is 47.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $20,100 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.5% higher at Drexel than at Mercer University (about $20,100 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Drexel University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($35,051 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 80 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Drexel students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Mercer vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Drexel? 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).

• Drexel University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $20,100 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,243 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($258 vs. $271).
• More Drexel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.