Mercer vs. UNCW

Comparable Facts

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

University of North Carolina Wilmington is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (18,848 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 Wilmington is in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1.

Mercer vs. UNCW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or UNCW? 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 Wilmington than Mercer ($18,976 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina Wilmington are 5.9% lower than at Mercer University ($14,268 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 481.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $35,035 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.2% higher at Mercer than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (about $18,160 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $24,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 406.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($33,808 vs. $6,674).

Mercer vs. UNCW Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Carolina Wilmington (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at UNCW).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; UNCW - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; UNCW Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at UNCW (3.56).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than UNCW (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 21% at UNCW.

Mercer vs. UNCW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and UNCW? 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 North Carolina Wilmington's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than UNCW graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $44,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UNCW graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More UNCW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.