Mercyhurst University vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mercyhurst University vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or Claflin 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 Claflin University than Mercyhurst University ($17,272 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 34.8% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($9,480 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 150.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $27,488 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.4% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Claflin University (about $27,488 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Claflin University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 104.6% larger than aid received by Claflin University students ($33,949 vs. $16,596).

Mercyhurst University vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Claflin University (3.28).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Mercyhurst University vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

Mercyhurst University vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and Claflin 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 Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $5,486 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($26,698 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($276 vs. $332).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 25%)

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.