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Mercer University

Macon, GA·Private nonprofit·4,620 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $58,200 within 10 years; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

66%
Accept
4,620
Students
$22,350
Net Price
73%
Grad Rate
$58,200
Earnings
10 yr
$17,655
Debt

About This School

Mercer University is a private nonprofit institution located in Macon, Georgia with approximately 4,620 undergraduate students enrolled. Mercer University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 66%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,350 per year. The graduation rate is 73%, and the typical graduate earns $58,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mercer University is a private research university in Macon, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1833 as Mercer Institute and gaining university status in 1837, it is the oldest private university in the state and enrolls more than 9,000 students in 12 colleges and schools. Mercer is a member of the Georgia Research Alliance. It is classified as a "R2: Doctoral Universities — High research activity".

This is a solid option for students who want a private university experience without the hyper-competitive admissions pressure — a 66% acceptance rate and $22,350 average net price make it genuinely accessible. The 73% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, meaning roughly 1 in 4 students who start here don't finish, so it's worth asking what support systems exist for your specific major. The payoff looks reasonable: median earnings of $58,200 a decade out, paired with a relatively modest $17,655 in median debt, suggests students aren't leaving buried in loans they can't manage.

Founded
1833
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions26%
Business & Marketing15%
Engineering12%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology7%
Education5%
Computer Science4%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Nathan DealEd RobertsWilliam Heard KilpatrickGriffin BellNancy GraceSam MitchellThomas W. HardwickJames RachelsThomas E. WatsonVicente ArzeWalter F. GeorgeCindy Brogdon

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1280
Reading 75th %ile680
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$40,890
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,890
Avg Net Price
$22,350
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$17,655

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
73%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,655
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,655
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$58,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White43%
Black32%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,620 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mercer University

1501 Mercer University Drive

Macon, GA 31207

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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