Mercer vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Mercer vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University ($24,364 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 41.3% lower than at Mercer University ($8,900 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 55% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $15,012 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at Mercer than at Southern Adventist University (about $15,012 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Southern Adventist University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 162% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($33,808 vs. $12,904).

Mercer vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 100 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Mercer vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Southern Adventist 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).

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($258 vs. $274).
• More Southern Adventist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.