Stetson University vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare Stetson University in DeLand, FL with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Stetson University based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stetson University is located in DeLand, FL (Midsize Suburban setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• Stetson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stetson University 10:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Stetson University vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stetson 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 Stetson University than Mercer ($20,319 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 14.5% lower than at Stetson University ($15,156 vs. $17,728).
• Stetson University is 35.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $15,098 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.7% higher at Stetson University than at Mercer University (about $15,098 more per year; $57,410.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stetson University as at Mercer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stetson University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($52,360 vs. $33,808).

Stetson University vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 90 points higher than at Stetson University (1170).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Stetson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 1060/1270; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stetson University 21/28; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stetson University - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Stetson University (3.69).
• Stetson University has a higher acceptance rate (71.6%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Stetson University vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Stetson University vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stetson 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).

• Stetson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Stetson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Stetson University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stetson University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Stetson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.