Mercer vs. Tennessee Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee Technological University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (10,511 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Tennessee Technological University is in Cookeville, TN (Remote Town setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Tennessee Technological University 16:1.

Mercer vs. Tennessee Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Technological University than Mercer ($15,336 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee Technological University are 12.2% lower than at Mercer University ($13,302 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 271.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee Tech (about $30,936 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $11,376.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 171.6% higher at Mercer than at Tennessee Technological University (about $26,736 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $15,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Tennessee Technological University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 223.3% larger than aid received by Tennessee Technological University students ($33,808 vs. $10,458).

Mercer vs. Tennessee Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Tennessee Tech (1180).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Tennessee Tech).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Tennessee Technological University 1048/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Tennessee Technological University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Tennessee Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Tennessee Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Tennessee Tech (3.63).
• Tennessee Tech has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 22.8% at Tennessee Tech.

Mercer vs. Tennessee Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Tennessee Tech? 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 Tennessee Technological University's (50%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Tennessee Tech graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Technological University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($16,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Tech graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($165 vs. $258).
• More Tennessee Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.