Mercyhurst University vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College than Mercyhurst University ($22,702 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercyhurst University are 1.2% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($14,540 vs. $14,710).
• Mercyhurst University is 55.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $16,378 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $16,378 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University as at Washington & Jefferson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 68.5% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($33,949 vs. $20,152).

Mercyhurst University vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or W&J? 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 W&J and Mercyhurst University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWashington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWashington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; W&J - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman W&J students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than W&J (80.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 12.6% at W&J.

Mercyhurst University vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Mercyhurst University's (68%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.