Mercer University
Mercer University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mercer University at a Glance
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 "R2: Doctoral Universities — High research activity".
1833
193 years old
$502M
$502 million (2022)
9,124
4,807 undergrad · 4,317 grad
737
150 acres
Identity
Is Mercer University Worth It?
Mercer University offers moderate value at $23,847/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $58,354, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Mercer University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #10 of 53 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #2 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #3 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #4 | North Central College | 48 | $21,044 | $60,123 |
| #5 | Calvin University | 48 | $22,992 | $58,375 |
| #6 | Drake University | 47 | $29,127 | $71,901 |
| #10 | Mercer University | 44 | $23,847 | $58,354 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mercer University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in GA.
Best Programs at Mercer University
The highest-earning program at Mercer University is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other at $60,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $27,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduate from Mercer University earns $60,500, while a Biology, General graduate earns $27,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other graduates carry $30,375 in median debt vs. $26,361 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,847/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $60,500 | $60,500 | $30,375 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,100 | $60,100 | $23,250 |
| Engineering, General | $58,500 | $58,500 | $26,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $46,400 | $46,400 | $27,291 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,600 | $34,600 | $33,537 |
| Human Services, General | $32,200 | $32,200 | $36,821 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,200 | $31,200 | $27,600 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,100 | $31,100 | $30,144 |
| Biology, General | $27,400 | $27,400 | $26,361 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Macon, GA
- Student Body
- 4,500 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,847
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,354
- Median Student Debt
- $24,199