Mercer vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Mercer vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Jefferson? 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 Jefferson ($24,364 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 4.3% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($15,156 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 12.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $5,193 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.3% higher at Jefferson than at Mercer University (about $5,193 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($35,007 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Mercer vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $65,600 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($12,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($129 vs. $258).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.