Mercer vs. Loyola University Maryland

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Loyola University Maryland based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 4,897 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Loyola University Maryland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Loyola University Maryland? 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 Loyola University Maryland ($24,364 vs. $32,846).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 20.6% lower than at Loyola University Maryland ($15,156 vs. $19,090).
• Loyola University Maryland is 35.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $14,838 more per year; $57,150.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at Loyola University Maryland than at Mercer University (about $14,838 more per year; $57,150.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Loyola University Maryland (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loyola University Maryland students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($41,341 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Loyola University Maryland Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Loyola University Maryland (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Loyola University Maryland 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; Loyola University Maryland 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Loyola University Maryland 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Loyola University Maryland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Loyola University Maryland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Loyola University Maryland (3.65).
• Loyola University Maryland has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 11.6% at Loyola University Maryland.

Mercer vs. Loyola University Maryland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Loyola University Maryland? 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).

• Loyola University Maryland's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Loyola University Maryland earn a median of about $19,300 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,600 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Loyola University Maryland graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loyola University Maryland graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Loyola University Maryland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.