JU vs. Mercer

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 4,247 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JU vs. Mercer Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JU 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 Jacksonville University than Mercer ($24,238 vs. $24,364).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 11.9% lower than at Jacksonville University ($15,156 vs. $17,210).
• Jacksonville University is 13% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $5,518 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at JU than at Mercer University (about $5,518 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University as at Mercer University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jacksonville University students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($39,859 vs. $33,808).

JU vs. Mercer Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JU 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 JU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 70 points higher than at JU (1190).
• Incoming Mercer students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at JU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 1100/1280; Mercer University 1160/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 22/27; Mercer University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JU - Test optional; Mercer - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at JU (3.61).
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than JU (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at JU vs. 12.7% at Mercer.

JU vs. Mercer Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JU 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 Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than JU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $54,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jacksonville University graduates have a $2,379 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($22,621 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($233 vs. $258).
• More JU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.