Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University than Mercyhurst University ($15,814 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 20.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($11,512 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 329.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $35,122 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 149.1% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Bluefield State University (about $27,394 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 245.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($33,949 vs. $9,814).

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University and Mercyhurst University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Mercyhurst University (3.36).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Mercyhurst University (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Mercyhurst University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $7,698 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($196 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 30%)

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.