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Mercyhurst University

Erie, PA·Private nonprofit·2,191 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. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

81%
Accept
2,191
Students
$19,444
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$44,200
Earnings
10 yr
$25,305
Debt

About This School

Mercyhurst University is a private nonprofit institution located in Erie, Pennsylvania with approximately 2,191 undergraduate students enrolled. Mercyhurst University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,444 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,193

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Business & Marketing17%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Biological Sciences7%
Computer Science5%
Education5%
Social Sciences4%
Psychology2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Buster DouglasMichael Patrick KingMeghan AgostaEmma Nuutinen

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$45,770
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,770
Avg Net Price
$19,444
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$22,626
$30–48k$22,429
$48–75k$17,197
$75–110k$21,665
$110k+$16,748

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$25,305

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$25,305
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$36,300
Female graduates$32,800

Gap: 10% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$25,305
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.7x

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

White73%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian2%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,191 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.
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