Mercyhurst University
About Mercyhurst University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Mercyhurst University is a private Catholic university in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is known for its intelligence studies and hospitality programs, alongside offerings in nursing, biology, and forensic science, with a lakeside campus near Presque Isle State Park.
Founded
1926
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Students
2,549
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
81%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$45,770
Per year
Avg Net Price
$19,444
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$47,452
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Mercyhurst University accepts the majority of applicants at 81%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.8%
4-Year Grad
59%
6-Year Grad
66%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
60%
$/Student
$9.0K
Class Size
Medium
While 59% finish in 4 years, 79.8% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$45,770
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,540
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$59,557
After Financial Aid
$19,444
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$22,626
Receive Grants
31.3%
Take Loans
64.7%
Don't let the $45,770 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $19,444 after financial aid, a 58% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $22,626.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Mercyhurst University fund their education.
While in School
31.3%
Get Grants
Free money
64.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,028
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,305
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$268/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,305 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $47K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Mercyhurst University.
Gender
57.3%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,191
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
358
Graduates
28.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
6.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 28.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,191
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Mercyhurst University fields 17 varsity teams with 766 student athletes, about 35% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Pennsylvania State
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
17
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
766
35% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
468
Men
298
Women
12
Men's Teams
14
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Mercyhurst Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,452
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
$52K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
—
30 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$39K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$29K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Special Education and Teaching
$47K
27 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$28K
23 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $40K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mercyhurst University
What is the acceptance rate at Mercyhurst University?▾
How much does Mercyhurst University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Mercyhurst University?▾
How much do Mercyhurst University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.