Erie, PA · Private University
Is Mercyhurst University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$47,452
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$44,510
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,510
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$178,040
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.07x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
14.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
58.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,305
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$27,263
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Mercyhurst University graduates earn $2,452 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 Mercyhurst University ranked by graduate earnings
98 graduates
26 graduates
26 graduates
16 graduates
36 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Mercyhurst University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information OperationsBest ROI | $71,220 | 1.6x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing(1yr data) | $64,519 | 1.4x |
| Biology, General | $62,656 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $60,520 | 1.4x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,261 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $60,176 | 1.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,701 | 1.3x |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $50,828 | 1.1x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $49,690 | 1.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,685 | 1.0x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $45,610 | 1.0x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,516 | 1.0x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $43,101 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $42,829 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Mercyhurst University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $47,452 10 years after starting, $2,452 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 14.3 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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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.