Mercer vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 8,234 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

Mercer vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Duquesne 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 Duquesne University ($24,364 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 7.4% lower than at Duquesne University ($15,156 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 15.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $6,674 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at Duquesne University than at Mercer University (about $6,674 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Duquesne University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Duquesne University students ($33,808 vs. $29,850).

Mercer vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Duquesne University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Duquesne University and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is the same as at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercer University 1160/1350; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercer University 25/31; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Mercer students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Duquesne University (3.8).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

Mercer vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Duquesne University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.