Nazareth University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Nazareth University in Rochester, NY with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Nazareth University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 2,401 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nazareth University is located in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Nazareth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nazareth University 8:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Nazareth University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nazareth University or Mercyhurst 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 Mercyhurst University than Nazareth University ($25,946 vs. $30,785).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercyhurst University are 10.5% lower than at Nazareth University ($14,540 vs. $16,250).
• Mercyhurst University is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nazareth University (about $3,320 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $42,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Nazareth University (about $3,320 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $42,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Nazareth University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Nazareth University students ($33,949 vs. $27,292).

Nazareth University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nazareth University 1070/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nazareth University 23/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nazareth University - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nazareth University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nazareth University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Nazareth University (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Nazareth University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Nazareth University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nazareth University and Mercyhurst 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).

• Nazareth University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Mercyhurst University's (68%).
• Graduates from Nazareth University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,900 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nazareth University graduates have a $197 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($26,501 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Nazareth University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($274 vs. $276).
• More Nazareth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.