Merrimack vs. Excelsior University

Comparable Facts

Compare Merrimack College in North Andover, MA with Excelsior University in Albany, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Excelsior University is larger than Merrimack based on total student enrollment (12,941 students vs. 5,862 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Merrimack College is located in North Andover, MA (Large Suburban setting); Excelsior University is in Albany, NY (Small City setting).
• Merrimack College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Excelsior University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Merrimack College 13:1; Excelsior University 21:1.

Merrimack vs. Excelsior University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Merrimack or Excelsior University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Merrimack College and Excelsior University ($53,962.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Merrimack and Excelsior University ($53,962.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Merrimack College than at Excelsior University (100% vs. 0%).

Merrimack vs. Excelsior University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Merrimack or Excelsior 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 Excelsior University and Merrimack.

• Excelsior University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Merrimack - Test-free; Excelsior University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Merrimack Sep 1, 2026.

Merrimack vs. Excelsior University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Merrimack and Excelsior 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have a $16,130 lower median loan debt than Merrimack graduates ($10,870 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Merrimack graduates ($112 vs. $279).
• More Merrimack graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Excelsior University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 55%)

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.