Mercer vs. Lipscomb

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Lipscomb based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 5,017 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Lipscomb University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Lipscomb University 13:1.

Mercer vs. Lipscomb Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb ($24,364 vs. $27,695).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 1.7% lower than at Lipscomb University ($15,156 vs. $15,424).
• Mercer University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lipscomb (about $1,740 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Mercer than at Lipscomb University (about $1,740 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Lipscomb University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 18% larger than aid received by Lipscomb University students ($33,808 vs. $28,645).

Mercer vs. Lipscomb Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lipscomb University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Lipscomb).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Lipscomb University 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Lipscomb University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Lipscomb - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Lipscomb (3.73).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Lipscomb (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 24.9% at Lipscomb.

Mercer vs. Lipscomb Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Lipscomb? 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).

• Lipscomb University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lipscomb University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lipscomb graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More Lipscomb graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.