Mercer vs. William Carey University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than William Carey University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 5,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); William Carey University is in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; William Carey University 14:1.

Mercer vs. William Carey University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or William Carey University? 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 William Carey University than Mercer ($15,469 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 46.6% lower than at Mercer University ($8,094 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 173.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $26,832 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 173.3% higher at Mercer than at William Carey University (about $26,832 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at William Carey University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 131.2% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($33,808 vs. $14,621).

Mercer vs. William Carey University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or William Carey University? 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 William Carey University and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 90 points higher than at William Carey University (1170).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; William Carey University 1040/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; William Carey University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; William Carey University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 48.3% at William Carey University.

Mercer vs. William Carey University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and William Carey University? 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $4,808 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($20,192 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($208 vs. $258).
• More William Carey University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.