Mercyhurst University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Mercyhurst University ($9,541 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Potomac State College of West Virginia University are 13.5% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,580 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 766.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $40,490 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 246.7% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $32,570 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 392.7% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($33,949 vs. $6,890).

Mercyhurst University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Mercyhurst University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

Mercyhurst University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $2,697 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($24,001 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($248 vs. $276).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.