Macon, GA · Private University
Is Mercer University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,354
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$40,890
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,890
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$163,560
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.43x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
73.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,199
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$22,350
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Mercer University graduates earn $13,354 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Mercer University ranked by graduate earnings
115 graduates
247 graduates
33 graduates
21 graduates
42 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Mercer University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Mercer University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering, General: $80,421) and the lowest (Chemistry: $25,151) is $55,270/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, GeneralBest ROI | $80,421 | 2.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $70,738 | 1.7x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $66,047 | 1.6x |
| Social Sciences, General(1yr data) | $61,612 | 1.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,962 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $50,956 | 1.3x |
| Biology, General | $48,824 | 1.2x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $47,956 | 1.2x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $47,538 | 1.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,717 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,306 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $41,985 | 1.0x |
| Journalism(1yr data) | $32,807 | 0.8x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $27,108 | 0.7x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics(1yr data) | $26,952 | 0.7x |
| ChemistryLowest(1yr data) | $25,151 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Mercer University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $58,354 10 years after starting, $13,354 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.