Mercy vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy University is larger than DeSales University based on total student enrollment (8,991 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercy University is located in Dobbs Ferry, NY (Large Suburban setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercy University 16:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Mercy vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercy or DeSales 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 Mercy University than DeSales University ($15,200 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 9.5% lower than at Mercy University ($13,800 vs. $15,250).
• DeSales University is 104.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy (about $23,920 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.5% higher at DeSales University than at Mercy University (about $23,920 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Mercy University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 75% larger than aid received by Mercy University students ($30,909 vs. $17,664).

Mercy vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercy or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and Mercy.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Mercy (1130).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Mercy).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercy University 1020/1230; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercy University 21/25; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercy - Test-free; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman DeSales University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Mercy (3.19).
• Mercy has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Mercy vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Mercy vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercy and DeSales University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Mercy University's (31%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Mercy graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy University graduates have a $2,301 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($23,699 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercy graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($245 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 40%)

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.