Mercyhurst University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Centra College 3:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centra College are 14.6% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,424 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 252.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $32,787 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.5% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Centra College (about $32,787 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Centra College (100% vs. 0%).

Mercyhurst University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Mercyhurst University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Centra 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $14,656 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($12,042 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $152 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($124 vs. $276).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 56%)

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.