Mercyhurst University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than Mercyhurst University ($13,655 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Liberty University are 12.5% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($12,728 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 414.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $36,877 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.4% higher at Mercyhurst University than at West Liberty University (about $28,328 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 368.4% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($33,949 vs. $7,248).

Mercyhurst University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Mercyhurst University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and West Liberty 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 West Liberty University's (46%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $2,081 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($24,617 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($254 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 49%)

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.