Mercer vs. Umary

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than Umary based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. Umary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Umary? 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 University of Mary than Mercer ($20,156 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 38.8% lower than at Mercer University ($9,276 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 89.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $19,956 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.3% higher at Mercer than at University of Mary (about $19,956 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 148.6% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($33,808 vs. $13,601).

Mercer vs. Umary Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Umary (1230).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of Mary 1110/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of Mary 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Umary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Umary Sep 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Umary (3.37).
• Umary has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 41.4% at Umary.

Mercer vs. Umary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Umary? 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 University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Umary graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Umary graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.