University of Rio Grande vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, OH with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than University of Rio Grande based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rio Grande is located in Rio Grande, OH (Distant Rural setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Rio Grande is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rio Grande 20:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

University of Rio Grande vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Rio Grande or Mercyhurst University? 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 Rio Grande than Mercyhurst University ($24,061 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rio Grande are 27.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($10,500 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 122.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Rio Grande (about $25,210 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $20,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at University of Rio Grande (about $25,210 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $20,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at University of Rio Grande (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 281% larger than aid received by University of Rio Grande students ($33,949 vs. $8,910).

University of Rio Grande vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Rio Grande or Mercyhurst University? 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 Mercyhurst University and University of Rio Grande.

• University of Rio Grande reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Rio Grande - Open admission; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at University of Rio Grande (3.06).

University of Rio Grande vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Rio Grande and Mercyhurst University? 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than University of Rio Grande's (27%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than University of Rio Grande graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have a $6,198 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($211 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Rio Grande students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 35%)

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.