At $22,350/yr net price, Mercer University graduates earn $58,354/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,354/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,350 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,354/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,354/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,199 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,650/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,919/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,627/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,610/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,399/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,064 | $175,359 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $95,930 | $103,050 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,856 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $87,604 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $85,538 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $72,682 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,127 | $96,034 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $70,736 | $39,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,299 | $19,869 |
The Risk Factor
73.4% of students at Mercer University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mercer University delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with median earnings of $58,354 placing graduates well above the national average for their debt load of $24,199.
The pharmacy program stands out as a clear financial winner despite heavy borrowing. Pharmacy graduates earn $115,064 annually, easily justifying the $175,359 debt load over a career. Nursing offers the best balance of strong earnings ($90,856) with manageable debt ($41,000), making it your safest bet for guaranteed ROI. Allied health professions also pay off handsomely at $95,930, though the $103,050 debt requires careful budgeting early in your career.
Computer engineering graduates earn $85,538 with debt data unavailable, but tech salaries in Georgia typically support strong returns. Education administration pays $87,604, though you'll likely need additional credentials and experience to reach these management-level positions.
Your biggest financial risk is choosing programs outside these high-earning fields. With 73% of students graduating and 83% returning after freshman year, Mercer provides stability, but only if you pick the right major.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare, pharmacy, or technical fields who can leverage Mercer's professional programs. Liberal arts students should look elsewhere unless they have clear graduate school plans. The $22,350 net price is reasonable for a private university, but only one-third of students receive aid, so middle-income families may struggle with costs. Merit scholarships are available but competitive, making early application essential for financial aid consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercer University worth the cost for most students?
Mercer's median graduate debt of $24,199 is reasonable, but the 10-year median earnings of $58,354 put it below many comparable private universities. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with pharmacy and nursing graduates earning significantly more than the overall average.
What are the highest paying programs at Mercer University?
Pharmacy graduates from Mercer earn a median of $115,064 after 10 years, making it the strongest ROI program. Allied health professions ($95,930) and nursing ($90,856) also provide solid returns that justify the investment.
How much financial aid does Mercer University actually provide?
With a net price of $22,350 per year, Mercer provides substantial aid given its private status. However, this still represents a significant investment, and graduates outside high-earning programs like pharmacy may struggle to justify the cost.
Should I attend Mercer University if I'm not majoring in pharmacy or healthcare?
Mercer's overall graduate earnings lag behind the investment for non-healthcare majors. Computer engineering shows promise at $85,538, but other programs may not provide sufficient return on the private school premium you'll pay.