Mercy vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (8,991 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercy University is located in Dobbs Ferry, NY (Large Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercy University 16:1; Lee University 13:1.

Mercy vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercy or Lee 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 Lee University ($15,200 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 33.7% lower than at Mercy University ($10,110 vs. $15,250).
• Lee University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy (about $910 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at Lee University than at Mercy University (about $910 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercy University as at Lee University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercy University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($17,664 vs. $15,467).

Mercy vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercy or Lee 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 Lee University and Mercy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Mercy (1130).
• Incoming Mercy students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Lee University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercy University 1020/1230; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercy University 21/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercy - Test-free; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Mercy (3.19).
• Mercy has a higher acceptance rate (85.8%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Mercy vs. 35% at Lee University.

Mercy vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercy and Lee 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Mercy University's (31%).
• Graduates from Mercy University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy University graduates have a $3,301 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($23,699 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercy graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.