Mercer vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Fisk 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 Fisk University than Mercer ($18,595 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 4.1% lower than at Mercer University ($14,540 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 63.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $16,454 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.6% higher at Mercer than at Fisk University (about $16,454 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Fisk University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 48.2% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($33,808 vs. $22,811).

Mercer vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.88 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Mercer vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Fisk University? 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).

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Mercer graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (45% vs. 38%)

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.