Mercer vs. Long Island University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Long Island University in Brookville, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Long Island University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Long Island University is in Brookville, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Long Island University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Long Island University 15:1.

Mercer vs. Long Island University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Long Island 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 Mercer University than Long Island University ($24,364 vs. $24,867).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 15.1% lower than at Long Island University ($15,156 vs. $17,846).
• Long Island University is 0.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $120 more per year; $42,432.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at Long Island University than at Mercer University (about $120 more per year; $42,432.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Long Island University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Long Island University students ($33,808 vs. $30,635).

Mercer vs. Long Island University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Long Island 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 Long Island University and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Long Island University (1230).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Long Island University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Long Island University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Long Island University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Long Island University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Long Island University (3.36).
• Long Island University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 8% at Long Island University.

Mercer vs. Long Island University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Long Island 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 Long Island University's (42%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Long Island University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Long Island University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Long Island University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Long Island University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.