Delaware State University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Delaware State University in Dover, DE with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Delaware State University is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (5,327 students vs. 2,632 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE (Small City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Delaware State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Delaware State University 17:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Delaware State University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University than Mercyhurst University ($13,953 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercyhurst University are 12.7% lower than at Delaware State University ($14,540 vs. $16,664).
• Mercyhurst University is 329% more expensive for in-state tuition than Delaware State University (about $35,100 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $10,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.8% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Delaware State University (about $25,136 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $20,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Delaware State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 155.1% larger than aid received by Delaware State University students ($33,949 vs. $13,309).

Delaware State University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 800/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Delaware State University - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Delaware State University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Delaware State University (3.09).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Delaware State University (46.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.7% at Delaware State University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Delaware State University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Delaware State University 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 Delaware State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Delaware State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $1,802 lower median loan debt than Delaware State University graduates ($26,698 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Delaware State University graduates ($276 vs. $294).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Delaware State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 32%)

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.