Mercyhurst University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is larger than Mercyhurst University based on total student enrollment (2,728 students vs. 2,632 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); West Virginia University at Parkersburg is in Parkersburg, WV (Small Suburban setting).
• Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercyhurst University 14:1; West Virginia University at Parkersburg 17:1.

Mercyhurst University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercyhurst University or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? 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 West Virginia University at Parkersburg than Mercyhurst University ($1,948 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercyhurst University are 0% lower than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($14,540 vs. $14,544).
• Mercyhurst University is 892.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $41,158 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $4,612.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 401.6% higher at Mercyhurst University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $36,646 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $9,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 354.3% larger than aid received by West Virginia University at Parkersburg students ($33,949 vs. $7,472).

Mercyhurst University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercyhurst University or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Mercyhurst University.

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercyhurst University - Test-free; West Virginia University at Parkersburg - Open admission.

Mercyhurst University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercyhurst University and West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Mercyhurst University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than West Virginia University at Parkersburg's (31%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have a $14,667 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($12,031 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have an estimated $152 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($124 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Virginia University at Parkersburg students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 33%)

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.