Mercyhurst University vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Benedict College 13:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Benedict 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 Benedict College than Mercyhurst University ($18,665 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 50.9% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($7,146 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 162.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $28,330 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.4% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Benedict College (about $28,330 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Benedict College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 154.6% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($33,949 vs. $13,335).

Mercyhurst University vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Benedict 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 Benedict College and Mercyhurst University.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 8% at Benedict College.

Mercyhurst University vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Benedict 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).

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $16,200 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($26,698 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($276 vs. $443).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 13%)

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.