At $27,263/yr net price, Mercyhurst University graduates earn $47,452/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,452/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,263 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,452/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,452/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,305 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,981/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,609/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,101/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,250/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,992/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $35,883 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,562 | $21,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | Bachelor | $49,464 | $25,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $26,269 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $41,565 | $18,584 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $26,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,007 |
The Risk Factor
58.7% of students at Mercyhurst University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Mercyhurst University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $47,452 barely justifying the $27,263 annual net price and typical debt load of $25,305.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear financial winners, producing graduates earning $52,562 to $60,771 annually. Computer science and accounting also generate solid returns above $50,000. However, the majority of Mercyhurst programs fail to deliver earnings that make the debt burden worthwhile in Erie's limited job market.
The 58.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you pay the same whether you finish or not. Nearly one in four students drops out after freshman year, suggesting academic or financial struggles that compound the ROI problem.
You face particular risk if you choose programs outside the nursing, tech, or business tracks. Liberal arts and education majors typically earn well below the median, making the debt load especially burdensome. The school's location in Erie limits high-paying job opportunities, meaning you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize your earnings potential.
Mercyhurst makes financial sense if you can secure significant merit aid and plan to study nursing, computer science, or accounting. The school's relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be available for strong applicants. However, if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study humanities, education, or social sciences, you should seriously consider lower-cost alternatives that offer better ROI prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercyhurst University worth the cost?
Mercyhurst's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn around $60,000 annually, making the $27,263 net price reasonable, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $47,452 are modest for the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Mercyhurst University?
Nursing programs at Mercyhurst offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $52,000-$61,000 annually. Computer science and accounting also perform well, with starting salaries around $52,000 and $51,000 respectively.
How much debt do Mercyhurst University students typically graduate with?
Mercyhurst graduates carry a median debt of $25,305, which is manageable for nursing and tech majors but could be problematic for lower-paying fields. The 58% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree but still owe money.
Does Mercyhurst University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $27,263, Mercyhurst's aid brings costs down from the full sticker price but still leaves most families paying a substantial amount. The 80% acceptance rate suggests merit aid may be limited.