Mercyhurst University
Mercyhurst University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mercyhurst University at a Glance
Mercyhurst University is a private Catholic university in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States.
1926
100 years old
2,632
2,274 undergrad · 358 grad
74 acres
Identity
Is Mercyhurst University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Mercyhurst University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,452 — 12% below average — while paying $19,444/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,305 representing 53% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Mercyhurst University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Mercyhurst University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #58 of 166 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #58 | Mercyhurst University | 36 | $19,444 | $47,452 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mercyhurst University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 14 in PA.
Best Programs at Mercyhurst University
The highest-earning program at Mercyhurst University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $45,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Public Health at $24,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Mercyhurst University earns $45,000, while a Public Health graduate earns $24,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $26,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Public Health.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,444/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,000 | $45,000 | $26,000 |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations | $43,400 | $43,400 | $26,997 |
| Marketing | $36,800 | $36,800 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,600 | $35,600 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $35,000 | $35,000 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $29,300 | $29,300 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,900 | $27,900 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $26,600 | $26,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,100 | $26,100 | $27,000 |
| Public Health | $24,000 | $24,000 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Erie, PA
- Student Body
- 2,191 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,444
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,452
- Median Student Debt
- $25,305