University of South Alabama vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Mercer based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 9,196 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of South Alabama vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South 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 University of South Alabama than Mercer ($16,074 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 25% lower than at Mercer University ($11,366 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 318.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $32,196 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.6% higher at Mercer than at University of South Alabama (about $23,220 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at University of South Alabama (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 262.4% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($33,808 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 180 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at University of South Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• University of South Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

University of South Alabama vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South 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).

• Mercer University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More University of South Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.