Mercer vs. University of Portland

Comparable Facts

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

Mercer University is larger than University of Portland based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 3,285 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercer vs. University of Portland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland ($24,364 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 12.2% lower than at University of Portland ($15,156 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 37.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $15,788 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at University of Portland than at Mercer University (about $15,788 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University as at University of Portland (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 25.8% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($42,538 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. University of Portland Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Mercer students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at University of Portland (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; University of Portland 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; University of Portland 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; University of Portland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; University of Portland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercer students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at University of Portland (3.66).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than Mercer (68.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 9.6% at University of Portland.

Mercer vs. University of Portland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and University of Portland? 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).

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from University of Portland earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Mercer graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $687 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($24,313 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($251 vs. $258).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.