Mercer vs. UNCSA

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than UNCSA based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 1,111 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); University of North Carolina School of the Arts is in Winston Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; University of North Carolina School of the Arts 6:1.

Mercer vs. UNCSA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or UNCSA? 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 School of the Arts than Mercer ($13,140 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina School of the Arts are 10.8% lower than at Mercer University ($13,517 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 346.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCSA (about $32,835 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $9,477.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.5% higher at Mercer than at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (about $15,101 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $27,211.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (100% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 162.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina School of the Arts students ($33,808 vs. $12,876).

Mercer vs. UNCSA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is the same as at UNCSA (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at UNCSA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of North Carolina School of the Arts 1140/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of North Carolina School of the Arts 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; UNCSA - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; UNCSA Mar 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at UNCSA (3.75).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than UNCSA (30%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 55.5% at UNCSA.

Mercer vs. UNCSA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and UNCSA? 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 School of the Arts's (58%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than UNCSA graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than UNCSA graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNCSA graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More UNCSA 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.