Mercy vs. Wagner College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY with Wagner College in Staten Island, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy University is larger than Wagner College based on total student enrollment (8,991 students vs. 2,001 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercy University is located in Dobbs Ferry, NY (Large Suburban setting); Wagner College is in Staten Island, NY (Large City setting).
• Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wagner College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercy University 16:1; Wagner College 11:1.

Mercy vs. Wagner College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercy or Wagner College? 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 Wagner College ($15,200 vs. $28,033).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercy University are 7.5% lower than at Wagner College ($15,250 vs. $16,485).
• Wagner College is 132.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy (about $30,320 more per year; $53,200.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.5% higher at Wagner College than at Mercy University (about $30,320 more per year; $53,200.00 vs. $22,880.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wagner College than at Mercy University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wagner College students is 114.5% larger than aid received by Mercy University students ($37,897 vs. $17,664).

Mercy vs. Wagner College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercy or Wagner College? 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 Wagner College and Mercy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wagner College (1240) is 110 points higher than at Mercy (1130).
• Incoming Wagner College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Mercy).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercy University 1020/1230; Wagner College 1190/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercy University 21/25; Wagner College 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercy - Test-free; Wagner College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wagner College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wagner College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Mercy (3.19).
• Wagner College has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Mercy (85.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Mercy vs. 20.1% at Wagner College.

Mercy vs. Wagner College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercy and Wagner College? 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).

• Wagner College's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Mercy University's (31%).
• Graduates from Wagner College earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Mercy graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,100 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercy University graduates have a $2,680 lower median loan debt than Wagner College graduates ($23,699 vs. $26,379).
• Among borrowers, Mercy graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wagner College graduates ($245 vs. $272).
• More Wagner College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.