Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Mercyhurst University logo

Mercyhurst University

Erie, PA·Private nonprofit·2,217 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

83%
Accept
2,217
Students
$27,263
Net Price
59%
Grad Rate
$44,200
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Mercyhurst University is a private nonprofit institution located in Erie, Pennsylvania with approximately 2,217 undergraduate students enrolled. Mercyhurst University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,263 per year. The graduation rate is 59%, and the typical graduate earns $44,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mercyhurst University is a private Catholic university in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 59% graduation rate means roughly 4 in 10 students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $19,500, and the Catholic, small-campus environment in Erie suits students who want personalized attention and a tight-knit community. Worth considering if you have a clear reason to be here — a specific program, athletic opportunity, or the faith-based mission — but less compelling as a default choice given the graduation and earnings figures.

Founded
1926
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions21%
Business & Marketing17%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Education6%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science5%
Psychology3%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Buster DouglasMichael Patrick KingMeghan AgostaEmma Nuutinen

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$44,510
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,510
Avg Net Price
$27,263
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
59%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White75%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,217 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mercyhurst University

501 E 38th St

Erie, PA 16546

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania 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

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.