Mercyhurst University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Radford University 14:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or RU? 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 Radford University than Mercyhurst University ($16,749 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 14% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,504 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 264.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $33,222 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Radford University (about $20,137 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Radford University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 186% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($33,949 vs. $11,870).

Mercyhurst University vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or RU? 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 RU and Mercyhurst University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRadford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRadford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Mercyhurst University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and RU? 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 Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $3,698 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($23,000 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($237 vs. $276).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.