Mercer vs. HPU

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than HPU based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); High Point University is in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; High Point University 21:1.

Mercer vs. HPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or HPU? 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 HPU ($24,364 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 19.9% lower than at High Point University ($15,156 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $3,000 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at HPU than at Mercer University (about $3,000 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at High Point University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 49.2% larger than aid received by High Point University students ($33,808 vs. $22,664).

Mercer vs. HPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 40 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at HPU (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; High Point University 1110/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; High Point University 24/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; HPU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; HPU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 11.5% at HPU.

Mercer vs. HPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and HPU? 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).

• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $2,579 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,421 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.