Mercer vs. University of Dayton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); University of Dayton is in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; University of Dayton 14:1.

Mercer vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton ($24,364 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 9.8% lower than at University of Dayton ($15,156 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $6,828 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at University of Dayton than at Mercer University (about $6,828 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 1.2% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($33,808 vs. $33,418).

Mercer vs. University of Dayton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Dayton (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of Dayton 1200/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of Dayton 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; University of Dayton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 11.7% at University of Dayton.

Mercer vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and University of Dayton? 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).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates of Mercer University and University of Dayton have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $57,300), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.