Mercer vs. NC State

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with North Carolina State University at Raleigh in Raleigh, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (38,464 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); North Carolina State University at Raleigh is in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; North Carolina State University at Raleigh 15:1.

Mercer vs. NC State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or NC State? 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh than Mercer ($15,522 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina State University at Raleigh are 5.4% lower than at Mercer University ($14,332 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 380.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NC State (about $33,513 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $8,799.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.8% higher at Mercer than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (about $9,465 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $32,847.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 189.6% larger than aid received by North Carolina State University at Raleigh students ($33,808 vs. $11,675).

Mercer vs. NC State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (1390) is 130 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming NC State 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; North Carolina State University at Raleigh 1300/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; North Carolina State University at Raleigh 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; NC State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; NC State Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at NC State (3.83).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than NC State (41.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 31.8% at NC State.

Mercer vs. NC State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and NC State? 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).

• North Carolina State University at Raleigh's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $100 more per year than NC State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $57,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates have a $4,218 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($20,782 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NC State graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($214 vs. $258).
• More NC State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.