Loras College vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Loras College in Dubuque, IA with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Loras College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loras College is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loras College 12:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Loras College vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loras College 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 Loras College than Mercyhurst University ($21,631 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loras College are 24.3% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,000 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Loras College (about $5,946 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $39,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Loras College (about $5,946 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $39,824.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Loras College as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 17.7% larger than aid received by Loras College students ($33,949 vs. $28,835).

Loras College vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loras College 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 Loras College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loras College - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Loras College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Loras College vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Loras College vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loras College 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 Loras College's (59%).
• Graduates from Loras College earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Mercyhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $302 lower median loan debt than Loras College graduates ($26,698 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loras College graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercyhurst University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 56%)

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.