Private nonprofit Institution

Mercyhurst University — Erie, Pennsylvania

Compare Visit Website

Annual Tuition $44,510

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 83.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,217

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,452

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Erie, Pennsylvania

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Mercyhurst University stands as a pillar of higher education in Erie, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,217 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Mercyhurst University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Mercyhurst University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

21.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

17.4%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

13.6%

Enrollment Share

Military Tech

9.4%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Education

5.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Military Tech College

The Military Tech program at Mercyhurst University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Mercyhurst University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Mercyhurst University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 83.2%

Difficulty Low

Mercyhurst University maintains an acceptance rate of 83.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 41.7%

Women Enrollment 58.3%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Mercyhurst University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Mercyhurst University's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Mercyhurst University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $44,510

Out-of-State Tuition $44,510

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29.9%

Median Student Debt $25,305

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $44,510, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,452, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Pennsylvania.

What salary can Mercyhurst University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,452

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 58.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $27,263

Median Salary (6yr) $39,565

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Mercyhurst University in Erie?

2,217 Students

Gender Comparison

41.7% Men

58.3% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

77.6%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

1.4%

Black

5.6%

White

75.2%

Unknown

Hispanic

5.5%

Two or More Races

0.7%

International

5.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 28.7%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 54.4%

💍

Married Students 5.3%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$58,804
Average Family Income	$68,604
Median Family Income	$51,028

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50.4%

49.6%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Erie Campus Environment

Located at 501 E 38th St, Mercyhurst University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Pennsylvania. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

⚖️

How does Mercyhurst University compare?

Direct Comparison Mercyhurst University vs Erie Institute of Technology Inc →

Direct Comparison Mercyhurst University vs Gannon University →

Direct Comparison Mercyhurst University vs Great Lakes Tech →

Direct Comparison Mercyhurst University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College →

Common Questions about Mercyhurst University

Is Mercyhurst University a good college in Erie, Pennsylvania?

Mercyhurst University is a recognized institution in Erie with an enrollment of 2,217 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Pennsylvania based on Department of Education data.

Is Mercyhurst University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Mercyhurst University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,452. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Mercyhurst University cost for Pennsylvania residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Mercyhurst University is approximately $44,510. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $44,510. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Mercyhurst University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Mercyhurst University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 54.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Mercyhurst University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

Mercyhurst University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Mercyhurst University?

Graduates of Mercyhurst University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $47,452, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Mercyhurst University?

Mercyhurst University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Mercyhurst University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Mercyhurst University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Mercyhurst University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Mercyhurst University earn a median salary of $47,452 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Mercyhurst University a good investment compared to other PA colleges?

Mercyhurst University stands out as a high-value investment in Pennsylvania. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Mercyhurst University located and what is the campus like?

Mercyhurst University is located at 501 E 38th St in Erie, PA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,217 learners.

Who typically attends Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA?

The student body at Mercyhurst University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 28.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

🏆

2026 Rankings: Pennsylvania

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Mercyhurst University with other leading institutions in Pennsylvania across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration