Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University than Mercyhurst University ($22,216 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 34.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($9,480 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 71% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $19,000 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Bluefield University (about $19,000 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 66.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($33,949 vs. $20,341).

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University and Mercyhurst University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Bluefield 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $5,864 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($20,834 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($215 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 51%)

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.