Gwynedd Mercy University: 58.4% Acceptance Rate

58.4%Acceptance

$38,310Tuition

1,141Students

59%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$67,145Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Gwynedd Mercy University

The Sisters of Mercy founded this Catholic university in 1948 with a mission to serve others through education and healthcare. Gwynedd Mercy University has built a strong reputation for nursing and health science programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in service. The campus in suburban Philadelphia enrolls 1,141 students who benefit from close faculty relationships and personalized attention.

Students pay an average net price of $27,141 after financial aid, which represents significant savings from the $53,952 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $67,145 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable for most careers. The monthly loan payment of $265 reflects reasonable borrowing for the earning potential these programs provide. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking upward mobility.

Women make up 74% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and can provide mentorship. With 201 student-athletes competing in 16 Division III sports, the Griffins offer opportunities for athletic participation without the pressure of scholarships. The 98% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in the competitive Philadelphia market.

Academics & Faculty

Gwynedd Mercy University operates as a Catholic institution with deep roots in health sciences and nursing education. The university's nursing program draws from the founding Sisters of Mercy tradition of caring for others. Students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring and personalized attention. The 58% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing demanding health science coursework with other commitments. Beyond nursing, the university offers programs in business, education, and liberal arts, though health sciences remain the academic cornerstone. Faculty know students by name rather than student ID numbers. Small class sizes mean professors can track individual progress closely.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 57.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 58.5%
Retention Rate: 78.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $67,145
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$86,867
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$75,011
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,144
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$58,402
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$57,318
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$41,565
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$41,565
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,565
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$28,816

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

This Catholic university sits 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia in suburban Gwynedd Valley. With only 309 housing spots for 1,141 students, just 27% live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding Philadelphia metro area since 83% come from Pennsylvania. You'll need a winter coat for snowy Pennsylvania winters and can expect four distinct seasons.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. Women make up 74% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong reputation in nursing and health sciences. The Sisters of Mercy founded this institution in 1948, and Catholic traditions still shape campus life. With 16 varsity sports and 201 total athletes, the Griffins compete in NCAA Division III. Weekend activities center around Philadelphia, easily accessible by car or train. The commuter-heavy campus means social life often happens off-campus. Students frequently volunteer through service-learning programs tied to the university's Mercy mission of helping others.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 309 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1948

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	1	1
Stalking	2	0
Dating Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–39°F
July Avg: 66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.8"
Annual Snowfall: 25.3"

Student Demographics

This Catholic university draws students who want personal attention in a faith-centered environment. Nearly three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's reputation for nursing and health sciences programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Most students come from Pennsylvania and the surrounding region, giving the campus a tight-knit, local feel. About 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the Sisters of Mercy tradition of serving working-class families continues today. The small size of 1,141 students creates a close community where everyone knows each other.

Men: 26.3%
Women: 73.7%
White: 62.1%
Black: 14.8%
Hispanic: 8.7%
Asian: 6.0%
In-State Students: 82.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

Gwynedd Valley sits in southeastern Pennsylvania, roughly 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The 1,141-student campus occupies suburban territory in Montgomery County, where rolling hills and historic communities define the landscape. Students find themselves in an affluent area that balances small-town charm with access to major metropolitan resources. The region's colonial heritage shows in local architecture and town names throughout the Main Line suburbs. About 83% of students come from Pennsylvania, many drawn to the proximity to both Philadelphia's internship opportunities and the quieter suburban setting. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Gwynedd Mercy University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania 19437-0901

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $67,145
Median Earnings (5 years): $80,331
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Gwynedd Mercy University?

Gwynedd Mercy University accepts 58.42% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1015 and 1235 on the SAT. This Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy maintains moderately selective admissions while focusing on students interested in health sciences and service-oriented careers.

How much does Gwynedd Mercy University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $27,141 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $53,952. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gwynedd Mercy University?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1 with just 1,141 total students enrolled. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship. The intimate size allows professors to know students individually, which supports the Mercy tradition of compassionate education.

What are the career outcomes for Gwynedd Mercy University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 98.3% employment rate and earn a median salary of $67,145 ten years after graduation. The university's strong nursing and health science programs prepare students for in-demand healthcare careers. However, the 58.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees.

Where is Gwynedd Mercy University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, a large suburban area northwest of Philadelphia. With housing for only 309 students and 82.7% of students coming from in-state, most students commute from the surrounding region. The Griffins compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports with 201 total athletes.

Is Gwynedd Mercy University diverse in terms of student demographics?

Women comprise 73.7% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and traditionally female-dominated health professions. The student population is 62% white, 14.8% Black, 8.7% Hispanic, and 6% Asian. This demographic mix reflects both the local Philadelphia-area population and the university's mission of serving diverse communities through Mercy values.