Mercer vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with Hope College in Holland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); Hope College is in Holland, MI (Small City setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; Hope College 9:1.

Mercer vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Hope College? 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 Mercer University than Hope College ($24,364 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 14.6% lower than at Mercer University ($12,950 vs. $15,156).
• Mercer University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $342 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Mercer than at Hope College (about $342 more per year; $42,312.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercer University students is 35.5% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($33,808 vs. $24,945).

Mercer vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Hope College? 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 Hope College and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mercer University (1260) is 40 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Hope College (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Hope College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Hope College (3.83).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

Mercer vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Hope College? 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercer University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercer graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.