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Mercyhurst University

Mercyhurst University

Erie, PA · City · 2,191 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$19,444
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
59%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
52% typical
$47,452
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$51,562 typical
81%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Mercyhurst University, a private Catholic institution in Erie, Pennsylvania, is best known for its pioneering, highly regarded programs in intelligence studies, forensic anthropology, criminal justice, and dance. The university sets itself apart through its prestigious Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, a major talent pipeline for federal agencies and global corporations, as well as the nationally recognized Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) supporting neurodivergent learners. Life on the picturesque, collegiate Gothic campus is close-knit and grounded in the service-oriented Mercy tradition, with student spirit energized by robust campus traditions and NCAA Division I athletics, most notably its storied ice hockey teams.

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

Location
Erie, PA, 16546 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
BUF · Buffalo
89 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$45,770
Housing & food (on campus)$14,540
Books & supplies$1,200
Cost of attendance$59,557
Average net price$19,444
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$45,770
Housing & food (on campus)$14,540
Books & supplies$1,200
Cost of attendance$59,557
Average net price$19,444
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$22,626
$30–48k
$22,429
$48–75k
$17,197
$75–110k
$21,665
$110k+
$16,748
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
59%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
58%
Back for yr 2
80%
Transferred
31%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
63% graduated · 23% transferred · 14% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$39,565
10 yrs after entry$47,452
Debt
Median at graduation$25,305
Monthly payment$268
Middle 50% owe$8.3k–$27k
90th percentile$33,976
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
81%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

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Essay prompts

If Mercyhurst University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 43%Women 57%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
14 : 1
Pell grant
31%
First-gen
29%
Family income
$51,028
Independent
23%
Age at entry
22.0
Part-time
4%
Race & ethnicity
White
73%
Hispanic
6%
Black
7%
Asian
2%
Non-resident
6%
Unknown
5%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Bowling
    Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Rowing
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Water Polo
    Men's · Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$39,565
After 10 yrs
$47,452
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations59
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management30
Criminal Justice and Corrections30
Biology, General28
Special Education and Teaching27
Design and Applied Arts23
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General20
Psychology, General19
Security Science and Technology18
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations17
Business Administration, Management and Operations14
Finance and Financial Management Services14
Dance12
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions11
English Language and Literature, General10
Accounting and Related Services10
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$33M
Full-time faculty
60%
Faculty salary
$7,193/mo
Teaching spend
$9,031
per student
Federal loans
65%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Mercyhurst University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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