Mercyhurst University vs. Penn State Shenango

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Penn State Shenango in Sharon, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Penn State Shenango based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 265 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Penn State Shenango is in Sharon, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Shenango is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Penn State Shenango 7:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Penn State Shenango Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango than Mercyhurst University ($18,383 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercyhurst University are 4.8% lower than at Penn State Shenango ($14,540 vs. $15,274).
• Mercyhurst University is 226.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Shenango (about $31,746 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.3% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Penn State Shenango (about $22,210 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $23,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Penn State Shenango (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 278.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Shenango students ($33,949 vs. $8,962).

Mercyhurst University vs. Penn State Shenango Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango and Mercyhurst University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPenn State Shenango 1040/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Penn State Shenango - Test optional.
• Penn State Shenango has a higher acceptance rate (92.2%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 28% at Penn State Shenango.

Mercyhurst University vs. Penn State Shenango Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Penn State Shenango? 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 Penn State Shenango's (44%).
• Graduates from Penn State Shenango earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $120 lower median loan debt than Penn State Shenango graduates ($26,698 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Shenango graduates ($276 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Shenango graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.