Mercyhurst University vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Mercyhurst University ($11,483 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 24.2% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,016 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 162.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Union University (about $28,320 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.3% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Virginia Union University (about $28,320 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Virginia Union University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 93.7% larger than aid received by Virginia Union University students ($33,949 vs. $17,524).

Mercyhurst University vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

Mercyhurst University vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $7,052 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($26,698 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($276 vs. $348).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 19%)

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.