Shaw University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shaw University in Raleigh, NC with Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercyhurst University is larger than Shaw University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Shaw University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University or Mercyhurst 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 Shaw University than Mercyhurst University ($16,445 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 36.7% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($9,210 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 161% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shaw University (about $28,232 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Shaw University (about $28,232 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercyhurst University than at Shaw University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 135.5% larger than aid received by Shaw University students ($33,949 vs. $14,417).

Shaw University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Shaw University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University and Mercyhurst 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 Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have a $11,302 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($26,698 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Mercyhurst University graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($276 vs. $392).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 15%)

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.