Wilberforce University vs. Mercyhurst University

Comparable Facts

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

Mercyhurst University is larger than Wilberforce University based on total student enrollment (2,632 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wilberforce University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Mercyhurst University is in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Wilberforce University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercyhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wilberforce University 12:1; Mercyhurst University 14:1.

Wilberforce University vs. Mercyhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University than Mercyhurst University ($5,533 vs. $25,946).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilberforce University are 41.1% lower than at Mercyhurst University ($8,564 vs. $14,540).
• Mercyhurst University is 178.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilberforce University (about $29,322 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $16,448.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 178.3% higher at Mercyhurst University than at Wilberforce University (about $29,322 more per year; $45,770.00 vs. $16,448.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Wilberforce University as at Mercyhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mercyhurst University students is 68.5% larger than aid received by Wilberforce University students ($33,949 vs. $20,143).

Wilberforce University vs. Mercyhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilberforce University 840/940.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilberforce University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilberforce University - Test optional; Mercyhurst University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wilberforce University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mercyhurst University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Wilberforce University (2.82).
• Mercyhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Wilberforce University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Wilberforce University vs. 20.3% at Mercyhurst University.

Wilberforce University vs. Mercyhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University's (30%).
• Graduates from Mercyhurst University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Wilberforce University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have a $5,948 lower median loan debt than Mercyhurst University graduates ($20,750 vs. $26,698).
• Among borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercyhurst University graduates ($214 vs. $276).
• More Mercyhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilberforce University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 39%)

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.