Mercyhurst University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or WVSU? 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 Virginia State University than Mercyhurst University ($11,055 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Virginia State University are 7% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($13,522 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 378.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $36,200 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 205.3% higher at Mercyhurst University than at West Virginia State University (about $30,780 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 277.5% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($33,949 vs. $8,993).

Mercyhurst University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Mercyhurst University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and WVSU? 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 Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $3,448 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($240 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 35%)

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.