Mercer vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Mercer vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or UofSC? 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 UofSC ($24,364 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 10.7% lower than at Mercer University ($13,534 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 233.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $29,624 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Mercer than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $6,340 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 373.6% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($33,808 vs. $7,139).

Mercer vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Mercer vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and UofSC? 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 South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.