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Mercer University vs Valdosta State University

Mercer University is a private university in Macon, GA. Valdosta State University is a public university in Valdosta, GA. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants and Valdosta State University about 72%, making Mercer University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,945 a year at Valdosta State University after aid, and about $23,847 at Mercer University. About 72% of students graduate at Mercer University, compared with 42% at Valdosta State University. Ten years after enrolling, Mercer University alumni earn a median of about $58,354, against $49,361 for Valdosta State University.

Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Macon, GA
Valdosta, GA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,500
6,622
Acceptance rate
69%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1350
920–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
16–22
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,847
$10,945
Full cost / yr
$58,204
$20,801
In-state tuition
$42,312
$6,124
Out-of-state tuition
$42,312
$17,836
Application fee
$50
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,817
$9,378
$30k - $48k
$21,484
$9,541
$48k - $75k
$22,533
$11,877
$75k - $110k
$25,184
$14,906
Over $110k
$26,770
$15,905
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
42%
Freshman retention
82%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,231
$39,416
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,354
$49,361
Median debt at graduation
$24,199
$24,779
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
52%
First-generation students
28%
31%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jun 15

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 Mercer University or Valdosta State University harder to get into?
Mercer University is harder to get into. It admits about 69% of applicants, compared with 72% at Valdosta State 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, Mercer University or Valdosta State University?
Valdosta State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,945 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 Mercer University and Valdosta State University?
Before aid, Valdosta State University costs about $20,801 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, Mercer University or Valdosta State University?
Valdosta State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,378 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, Mercer University or Valdosta State University?
Valdosta State University is the larger of the two, with about 6,622 undergraduates against 4,500 at Mercer University.
Does Mercer University or Valdosta State University have a better graduation rate?
Mercer University has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 42% at Valdosta State University.
Do graduates of Mercer University or Valdosta State University earn more?
Mercer University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,361 for Valdosta State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mercer University and Valdosta State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Mercer University requires SAT or ACT scores. Valdosta State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Mercer University and Valdosta State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1350 at Mercer University and 920–1100 at Valdosta State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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