JCSU vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

JCSU vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU 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 Johnson C Smith University than Mercyhurst University ($19,705 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 40.9% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($8,600 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 114.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $24,470 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.9% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Johnson C Smith University (about $24,470 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Johnson C Smith University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 122.8% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($33,949 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU 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 JCSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.88 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

JCSU vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU 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 Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $5,352 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($26,698 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($276 vs. $331).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 26%)

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.