Mercer vs. UNCG

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (18,012 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); University of North Carolina at Greensboro is in Greensboro, NC (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; University of North Carolina at Greensboro 18:1.

Mercer vs. UNCG Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or UNCG? 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 North Carolina at Greensboro than Mercer ($11,404 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina at Greensboro are 29.5% lower than at Mercer University ($10,688 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 452.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCG (about $34,651 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $7,661.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.2% higher at Mercer than at University of North Carolina at Greensboro (about $18,300 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $24,012.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of North Carolina at Greensboro (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 242.8% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina at Greensboro students ($33,808 vs. $9,863).

Mercer vs. UNCG Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 10 points higher than at UNCG (1250).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at UNCG).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of North Carolina at Greensboro 1150/1355.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of North Carolina at Greensboro 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; UNCG - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; UNCG Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at UNCG (3.59).
• UNCG has a higher acceptance rate (88.5%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 21.2% at UNCG.

Mercer vs. UNCG Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and UNCG? 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 North Carolina at Greensboro's (53%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than UNCG graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduates have a $2,263 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,737 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UNCG graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($235 vs. $258).
• More UNCG graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.