Mercyhurst University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Salem University 19:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Salem 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 Salem University than Mercyhurst University ($10,231 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 42.2% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($8,400 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 284.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $33,870 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 284.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Salem University (about $33,870 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 296.2% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($33,949 vs. $8,569).

Mercyhurst University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

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

Mercyhurst University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Salem 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $80 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($26,618 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($275 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 27%)

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.