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Mercyhurst University

Erie, Pennsylvania · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #54 US News

FindU Grade

B-Value
N/ACampus
BAcademics
CAdmissions
B+Student Life
BOverall

About

Mercyhurst University is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 2,217 students.

mercyhurst.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$44,510
Out-of-state tuition$44,510
Room & board$14,274
Avg aid package$31,437
Students receiving aid30%
Pell grant recipients30%

Mercyhurst University strives to make education accessible, with 99% of undergraduates receiving financial aid. While tuition is around $44,510, the average net price is approximately $26,962 per year. The university is recognized for its quality financial aid services and offers a range of scholarships to help students manage costs.

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Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate83%
Average GPA3.40
Student–faculty ratio15:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$0

Mercyhurst University has a least selective admission policy with an acceptance rate range of 80-89%. The university welcomes international students and considers entrance examinations and students' past academic records. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their extracurricular activities and leadership experience.

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Academics

Graduation rate61%
Retention rate78%
Student–faculty ratio15:1
Full-time faculty57%

Mercyhurst University offers a liberal arts education with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world application. The REACH curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and community engagement. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close relationships with invested professors.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$47,452
Job placement rate91%
Earn more than HS grad66%
Economic mobility84%
Loan default (3 yr)6%
Loan repayment (3 yr)54%

Mercyhurst University prepares students for success in graduate school and high-demand workforces. The university reports high placement rates in jobs or graduate programs for over 20 programs of study. Graduates develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills valued by employers.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
2,217Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 58%Male 42%
75% WhiteRacial diversity
White 75%Black 6%Hispanic 5%Asian 1%Other 12%
Campus housingYes

Mercyhurst University offers a close-knit community with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Students can engage in over 80 clubs and organizations, as well as a variety of campus events. Athletics play a significant role, with many students participating in varsity and intramural sports.

Student reviews

Professors

Student

Academically, Mercyhurst is a great University! The academics here are great and students are very successful. I personally am a sport and hospitality major and I have heard great things about job placement post graduation, as well as other majors. They truly do set you up for success!

Student

Academic life at Mercyhurst University is great! The professors and faculty are very helping and make time for students who may have questions. Although the education is great, there is not much community support. It is hard to make friends and connect with other students.

Campus and vibes

Student

My overall experience at Mercyhurst University has been incredibly positive and meaningful. From the moment I arrived on campus, I felt welcomed into a community that truly cares about its students. I’ve loved being involved in so many parts of campus life—from playing soccer, to serving in Campus Ministry, to being a student leader for our Bible study group and MSG.

Student

Personally, Mercyhurst university was my university of choice because of the staff. The staff members here are very compassionate compared to other schools and class sizes are not large. I also like how much they work with you financially and if you struggle at home in any way they will aid you. What I would like to see changed is the price to go down.

Student

There are so many clubs,sports, and events one could never get bored and since everyone lives on campus it creates a very homey atmosphere allowing you to get very close with your friends. I was able to be a walk on for the rowing team and it was a wholesome experience I really miss being a part of a group so well knit and love their coaches. An overall amazing experience.

Student

I personally like Mercyhurst because of its environment. People normally stick to themselves for their reasons so it kinda makes it hard to make friends unless you are on a team or in a club or a part of something but in the classroom, there are no distractions and nothing that could set a class away from what we’re supposed to be doing. Mercyhurst’s faculty and staff are very professional and come to work with a smile and a positive personality every day of the week.

Cost and value

Student

Professors are very friendly and class sizes are small. There are many clubs on campus, with an active faith-based community (being an Irish-Catholic University). However, the costs and numerous fees the University charges for everything from housing to meals to classes are very high, even with scholarships and federal aid/loans.

About Mercyhurst University

The Police and Safety Department is responsible for the safety of the Mercyhurst University community. The department investigates theft, criminal mischief, and other criminal incidents occurring on campus. Parking regulations and vehicle traffic control are maintained through fines and campus automobile registration.

The University Honors Program offers an enriched intellectual experience with challenging coursework and a community of like-minded peers. Honors students enjoy smaller classes, opportunities to enhance leadership skills, and graduate with Mercyhurst honors. The program requires 18 honors credits, attendance at campus events, and a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Mercyhurst University welcomes international students from over 40 countries, fostering a diverse campus environment. The university provides support for international students, including visa assistance and cultural resources. International students contribute to the global perspective and community engagement at Mercyhurst.

Endowment$33,423,196
Avg faculty salary$86,928

Mercyhurst University FAQ

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