Mercyhurst University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Shepherd University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University than Mercyhurst University ($11,744 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 11.2% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,916 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 405.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shepherd University (about $36,714 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $9,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139.9% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Shepherd University (about $26,688 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Shepherd University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 312% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($33,949 vs. $8,241).

Mercyhurst University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Mercyhurst University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Shepherd 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 Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $4,475 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($229 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 53%)

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.