University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

University of Alabama at Birmingham is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (20,905 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in Birmingham, AL (Midsize City setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alabama at Birmingham 18:1; Mercer University 11:1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham than Mercer ($17,997 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alabama at Birmingham are 6.5% lower than at Mercer University ($14,170 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 365.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $33,214 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $9,098.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.5% higher at Mercer than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $19,750 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $22,562.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 206.6% larger than aid received by University of Alabama at Birmingham students ($33,808 vs. $11,025).

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at University of Alabama at Birmingham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 1210/1450; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 23/30; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alabama at Birmingham - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alabama at Birmingham Jun 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at University of Alabama at Birmingham (3.82).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alabama at Birmingham 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).

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than University of Alabama at Birmingham's (45%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.