Mercer vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Messiah 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 Messiah University ($24,364 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 13.6% lower than at Mercer University ($13,098 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $72 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Mercer than at Messiah University (about $72 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($33,808 vs. $26,576).

Mercer vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Mercer vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Messiah 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.