Mercer vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Marist University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Marist 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 Marist University ($24,364 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 17.9% lower than at Marist University ($15,156 vs. $18,460).
• Marist University is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $5,438 more per year; $47,750.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Marist University than at Mercer University (about $5,438 more per year; $47,750.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Marist University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($33,808 vs. $25,067).

Mercer vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marist University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Marist University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Marist University (3.56).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Marist University (56.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

Mercer vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Marist 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).

• Marist University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Marist University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Marist University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marist University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Marist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.