Mercyhurst University vs. University of Valley Forge

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than University of Valley Forge based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 589 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); University of Valley Forge is in Phoenixville, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Valley Forge is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; University of Valley Forge 12:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. University of Valley Forge Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or University of Valley Forge? 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 Mercyhurst University than University of Valley Forge ($25,946 vs. $27,083).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Valley Forge are 19.2% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,750 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 81.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Valley Forge (about $20,530 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.3% higher at Mercyhurst University than at University of Valley Forge (about $20,530 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University as at University of Valley Forge (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 84.8% larger than aid received by University of Valley Forge students ($33,949 vs. $18,369).

Mercyhurst University vs. University of Valley Forge Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or University of Valley Forge? 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 University of Valley Forge and Mercyhurst University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; University of Valley Forge - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Valley Forge Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at University of Valley Forge (3.33).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than University of Valley Forge (61.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 27.9% at University of Valley Forge.

Mercyhurst University vs. University of Valley Forge Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and University of Valley Forge? 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 University of Valley Forge's (53%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than University of Valley Forge graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than University of Valley Forge graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Valley Forge graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Valley Forge 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.