Mercer vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Mercer vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt ($24,364 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 31.3% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($15,156 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 59.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $25,186 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.5% higher at Vanderbilt than at Mercer University (about $25,186 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Vanderbilt University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 90.5% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($64,404 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 280 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Mercer vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $25,800 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($144 vs. $258).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.