Mercyhurst University vs. Peirce College

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Peirce College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 929 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Peirce College is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Peirce College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Peirce College 13:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Peirce College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Peirce 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 Peirce College than Mercyhurst University ($13,290 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Peirce College are 39.5% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($8,800 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 203.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Peirce College (about $30,710 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $15,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 203.9% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Peirce College (about $30,710 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $15,060.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University as at Peirce College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 532.2% larger than aid received by Peirce College students ($33,949 vs. $5,370).

Mercyhurst University vs. Peirce College Admissions comparison

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

• Peirce College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Peirce College - Open admission.

Mercyhurst University vs. Peirce College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Peirce 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Peirce College's (27%).
• Graduates from Peirce College earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $9,427 lower median loan debt than Peirce College graduates ($26,698 vs. $36,125).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Peirce College graduates ($276 vs. $373).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Peirce College students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 32%)

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.