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85.9%Acceptance
$22,106Tuition
5,539Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,055Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Mercy University

Mercy University builds careers in health sciences and professional fields for its 5,539 students in suburban Dobbs Ferry. The Catholic institution has earned recognition for nursing and occupational therapy programs that prepare graduates for high-demand careers. With an 85.86% acceptance rate, Mercy welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1125. The university maintains its focus on practical, career-oriented education in a close-knit environment.

Students pay an average net price of $15,770 after financial aid, making Mercy accessible to working families. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,055 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,637. Monthly loan payments average just $208, making the investment reasonable for health science careers.

The student body reflects the diverse Hudson Valley community, with 49.14% Hispanic and 23.92% Black students. Women comprise 68.37% of enrollment, typical for health-focused institutions. While the 48.10% six-year graduation rate shows room for improvement, the 92.6% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in clinical training programs.

Academics & Faculty

Mercy University built its reputation as a health sciences powerhouse, with nursing and occupational therapy programs that draw students from across the region. The Catholic university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring in clinical and professional programs. However, only 48% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing demanding health science coursework with work and family obligations. The school's focus on practical, career-oriented education serves its diverse student body well. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and the university has developed strong partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical placements.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
25.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
47.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
48.1%
Retention Rate
75.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,055
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $124,271
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $113,850
Bioethics/Medical Ethics. Master $108,649
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $101,964
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $97,959
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $78,971
Accounting and Related Services. Master $75,706
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $73,446
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $67,420
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Master $66,461

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

Mercy's suburban campus sits just 20 miles north of Manhattan, giving students easy access to New York City via Metro-North trains. The 66-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry, where students need winter coats for snowy months and can enjoy riverside walks in warmer weather. Only about 14% of the 5,539 students live in the limited on-campus housing that accommodates 771 residents.

The student body reflects the diverse Hudson Valley community, with 49% Hispanic and 24% Black students creating a multicultural environment. Women make up 68% of enrollment, largely driven by popular nursing and health science programs. Most students commute from nearby areas, with 91% coming from New York State. Weekends often see students heading into the city for internships or entertainment, while campus activities center around the athletic programs and student organizations. The Mavericks compete in NCAA Division II with 254 student-athletes across 10 sports, providing school spirit despite the commuter-heavy population.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
771 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1950

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 0 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–38°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
52.0"
Annual Snowfall
30.4"

Student Demographics

Mercy draws students who want practical career preparation close to home. With 91% of students from New York, the university has built a strong regional reputation for health sciences training. The student body is 68% female, reflecting the school's emphasis on nursing and occupational therapy programs that traditionally attract women. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Mercy's commitment to serving working-class families seeking professional credentials. The diverse mix includes 49% Hispanic and 24% Black students, making it one of the more ethnically diverse Catholic universities in the region.
Men
31.6%
Women
68.4%
White
15.2%
Black
23.9%
Hispanic
49.1%
Asian
4.8%
In-State Students
91.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
47.3%

Location

Mercy University sits in Dobbs Ferry, New York, just 20 miles north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. The suburban campus attracts 91% of its students from within New York State. Students can reach New York City by train in about 45 minutes, offering internship and job opportunities in the nation's largest metropolitan area. The Westchester County location provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining easy access to the city. The Hudson Valley region is known for its scenic riverfront views and historic communities. With 68% female enrollment, the campus reflects the university's strong health sciences focus. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Mercy University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522
Mercy College- Dobbs Ferry Campus
Mercy College- Dobbs Ferry Campus
Mercy College Hutchinson Metro Center IMG 6440 HLG
Mercy College Hutchinson Metro Center IMG 6440 HLG
MainHall
MainHall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,055
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,683
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,800
Loan Repayment Rate
39.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$208/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,637

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mercy University?

Mercy University accepts 85.86% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1020 and 1230 on the SAT. This Catholic university in Dobbs Ferry focuses heavily on health sciences and professional preparation programs.

How much does Mercy University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,770 annually after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $22,106 for tuition. Nearly half of all students (47.33%) receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for low-income families. Graduates typically leave with $19,637 in debt, which translates to monthly payments of $208.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mercy University?

Mercy University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,539 enrolled students. The university has built a strong reputation in nursing and occupational therapy programs. However, the retention rate of 74.97% suggests some students struggle with the academic transition to college.

What are the graduation rates at Mercy University?

Only 48.10% of students graduate within six years, and 47.59% finish in four years. Despite these lower completion rates, graduates find success in the job market with a 92.6% employment rate. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $52,055, reflecting the university's focus on career-oriented programs.

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

The campus sits in Dobbs Ferry, New York, a large suburban setting north of New York City. With housing capacity for only 771 students out of 5,539 total enrollment, most students commute from home since 91.44% come from within New York state. The Mavericks compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 254 student-athletes across 10 varsity sports.

Is Mercy University diverse in its student population?

Mercy University serves a predominantly minority student body, with Hispanic students making up 49.14% and Black students representing 23.92% of enrollment. Women outnumber men at 68.37% to 31.63%. This demographic profile reflects the university's mission as a Catholic institution serving the diverse Hudson Valley region.