Mercyhurst University vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (3,650 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than Mercyhurst University ($15,984 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 24.1% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,040 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 87.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $21,370 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $21,370 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 72.3% larger than aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students ($33,949 vs. $19,706).

Mercyhurst University vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and Mercyhurst University.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 9.6% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Mercyhurst University vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have a $198 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($26,500 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($274 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 43%)

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.