Rochester University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Rochester University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester 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 Rochester University than Mercyhurst University ($21,611 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 27.9% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($10,486 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 56.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $16,574 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.8% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Rochester University (about $16,574 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 72.6% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($33,949 vs. $19,674).

Rochester University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rochester 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 Rochester University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Rochester University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $2,295 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($24,403 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($252 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 45%)

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.