Mercer vs. Pace University

Comparable Facts

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

Pace University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 9,196 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Pace University is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pace University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Pace University 14:1.

Mercer vs. Pace University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Pace 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 Pace University ($24,364 vs. $34,791).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 32.8% lower than at Pace University ($15,156 vs. $22,553).
• Pace University is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $10,978 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at Pace University than at Mercer University (about $10,978 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Pace University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pace University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($35,136 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Pace University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Pace University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Pace University and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is the same as at Pace University (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Pace University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercer University 1160/1350; Pace University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercer University 25/31; Pace University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Pace University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Mercer students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Pace University (3.4).
• Pace University has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 8.1% at Pace University.

Mercer vs. Pace University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Pace University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Pace University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,100 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University and Mercer graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Pace University and Mercer graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Pace University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.