Mercer vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Elon based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Elon University is in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Elon University 11:1.

Mercer vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Elon? 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 Elon ($24,364 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 1.1% lower than at Mercer University ($14,985 vs. $15,156).
• Elon University is 11% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $4,646 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11% higher at Elon than at Mercer University (about $4,646 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 89.2% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($33,808 vs. $17,867).

Mercer vs. Elon Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 13.4% at Elon.

Mercer vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Elon? 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.