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Fort Valley State University vs Mercer University

Fort Valley State University is a public university in Fort Valley, GA, and Mercer University is a private university in Macon, GA. Fort Valley State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 66% of applicants against 69% at Mercer University. Fort Valley State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,338 a year against $23,847 at Mercer University. About 72% of students graduate at Mercer University, compared with 43% at Fort Valley State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mercer University alumni earn a median of about $58,354, against $36,666 for Fort Valley State University.

Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley, GA · Public

Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fort Valley, GA
Macon, GA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,684
4,500
Acceptance rate
66%
69%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.48–3.98
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1070
1160–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
19–24
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,338
$23,847
Full cost / yr
$19,879
$58,204
In-state tuition
$5,526
$42,312
Out-of-state tuition
$16,932
$42,312
Application fee
$20
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,017
$19,817
$30k - $48k
$9,021
$21,484
$48k - $75k
$11,502
$22,533
$75k - $110k
$15,571
$25,184
Over $110k
$16,914
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
72%
Freshman retention
79%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$28,649
$50,231
Median earnings (10 yr)
$36,666
$58,354
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$24,199
Student body
Pell grant recipients
73%
35%
First-generation students
34%
28%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Not reported
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Valley State University or Mercer University harder to get into?
Fort Valley State University is harder to get into. It admits about 66% of applicants, compared with 69% at Mercer University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Fort Valley State University or Mercer University?
Fort Valley State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,338 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,847 at Mercer University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Fort Valley State University and Mercer University?
Before aid, Fort Valley State University costs about $19,879 a year and Mercer University about $58,204. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fort Valley State University or Mercer University?
Fort Valley State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,017 there, against about $19,817 at Mercer University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fort Valley State University or Mercer University?
Mercer University is the larger of the two, with about 4,500 undergraduates against 2,684 at Fort Valley State University.
Does Fort Valley State University or Mercer University have a better graduation rate?
Mercer University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 43% at Fort Valley State University.
Do graduates of Fort Valley State University or Mercer University earn more?
Mercer University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $36,666 for Fort Valley State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fort Valley State University and Mercer University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fort Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mercer University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Fort Valley State University and Mercer University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1070 at Fort Valley State University and 1160–1350 at Mercer University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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