Samford University vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Samford University vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Mercer? 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 Mercer University than Samford University ($24,364 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 13.9% lower than at Mercer University ($13,056 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $2,162 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Mercer than at Samford University (about $2,162 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Mercer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 50.1% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($33,808 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Mercer? 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 Mercer and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 100 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Samford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Samford University (3.84).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Samford University vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Mercer? 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $100 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.