Mercer vs. Ogelthorpe

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Ogelthorpe based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Oglethorpe University is in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oglethorpe University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Oglethorpe University 13:1.

Mercer vs. Ogelthorpe Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Ogelthorpe? 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 Oglethorpe University than Mercer ($20,490 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 4% lower than at Oglethorpe University ($15,156 vs. $15,780).
• Oglethorpe University is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $5,278 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Ogelthorpe than at Mercer University (about $5,278 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Oglethorpe University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oglethorpe University students is 15.5% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($39,054 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Ogelthorpe Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Ogelthorpe (1200).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Ogelthorpe).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Oglethorpe University 1090/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Oglethorpe University 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Ogelthorpe - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Ogelthorpe Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Ogelthorpe (3.73).
• Ogelthorpe has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 17.9% at Ogelthorpe.

Mercer vs. Ogelthorpe Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Ogelthorpe? 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 Oglethorpe University's (48%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Ogelthorpe graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Ogelthorpe graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ogelthorpe graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Ogelthorpe 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.