Alabama vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Mercer University in Macon, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Alabama vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 The University of Alabama than Mercer ($22,559 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 0.9% lower than at Mercer University ($15,016 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 247.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $30,132 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.8% higher at Mercer than at The University of Alabama (about $8,140 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 93.2% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($33,808 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Alabama (3.76).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Alabama vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($23,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($245 vs. $258).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.