PrivateUrban

Mercyhurst University

Name: Individual Campus Visit
Start: 2026-07-02T14:00:00
Location: Mercyhurst University

Erie, Pennsylvania 16546

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Urban

Known for health sciences

Mercyhurst University is a private institution in Erie with particular strength in health sciences and business.

A mid-sized campus of 2.2K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

59% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,452 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,263.

Established

1926

Motto

Latin: Carpe diem

Mascot

Luke the Laker

Type

Private university

Division

Division II

Campus Visits

100 upcoming visits · Next: Wed, Jul 1 · Campus Visit

100 more tours beyond 5 daysGet access →

Plan Your Visit

83%Acceptance

—SAT Avg

2,217Students

15:1Student:Faculty

59%Grad Rate

$47,452Earnings 10yr

$27,263Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate83.2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$44,510

Room & Board$14,274

Books & Supplies$1,200

Total Cost of Attendance$57,948

Average Net Price$27,263

Median Debt at Graduation$25,305

Monthly Payment (10yr)$268

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$23,981

$30–48K$20,609

$48–75K$25,101

$75–110K$28,250

$110K+$31,992

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

33.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

4.0%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

Peer Average

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

Burglary

Aggravated Assault

Robbery

Motor Vehicle Theft

Sex Offenses

Arson

Drug Arrests

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (106)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

78%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads

2,217

Gender Split

58% / 42%

Women / Men

First Generation

29%

Pell Grant Recipients

30%

Race & Ethnicity

White 75%

Black 6%

Hispanic 5%

Asian 1%

Two+ 1%

Int'l 5%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate58.7%

Freshman Retention77.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$39,565

10 Years$47,452

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

Varsity Sports

TennisRowingLacrosseLightweight rowingIce hockey

History & Fun Facts

•History On September 20, 1926 (99 years ago) (1926-09-20), Mercyhurst College opened its doors just a few blocks away from the city's southern boundary.
•It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Diocese of Erie, who were led by Borgia Egan, who became the first president of Mercyhurst College.
•On October 5, 1928, two years later, the college received its charter.
•In 1963, the college prep department separated from the university to form Mercyhurst Preparatory School, which is located behind the university.
•On February 3, 1969, the board of trustees voted to make Mercyhurst a coed college.

Source: Wikipedia