Mercer vs. Furman

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Furman based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 2,554 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Furman University is in Greenville, SC (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Furman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Furman University 10:1.

Mercer vs. Furman Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Furman? 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 Furman ($24,364 vs. $34,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 8.2% lower than at Furman University ($15,156 vs. $16,504).
• Furman University is 41.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $17,458 more per year; $59,770.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.3% higher at Furman than at Mercer University (about $17,458 more per year; $59,770.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Furman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Furman University students is 26.6% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($42,811 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Furman Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Furman University (1350) is 90 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Furman students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Furman University 1260/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Furman University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Furman - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Furman Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Furman (3.61).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Furman (42.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 13.1% at Furman.

Mercer vs. Furman Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Furman? 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).

• Furman University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Furman graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $443 lower median loan debt than Furman graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,443).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Furman graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Furman 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.