Florida vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

University of Florida is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (56,311 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL (Midsize City setting); Mercer University is in Macon, GA (Small City setting).
• University of Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Florida 16:1; Mercer University 11:1.

Florida vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Florida 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 Florida than Mercer ($11,936 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Florida are 20% lower than at Mercer University ($12,120 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 563.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida (about $35,931 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $6,381.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.6% higher at Mercer than at University of Florida (about $13,653 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $28,659.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of Florida (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 211.7% larger than aid received by University of Florida students ($33,808 vs. $10,846).

Florida vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Florida 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 Florida.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Florida (1400) is 140 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Florida students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 1320/1480; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Florida 29/33; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Florida - Required; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Florida Mar 1, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Florida (3.9).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Florida (24.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.2% at Florida vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

Florida vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Florida 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).

• University of Florida's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from University of Florida earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,600 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Florida graduates have a $9,185 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($15,815 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Florida graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($163 vs. $258).
• More Florida graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.