Mercyhurst University
Erie, Pennsylvania 16546
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
Mercyhurst University is a private institution in Erie with particular strength in health sciences and business.
A mid-sized campus of 2.2K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
59% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,452 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,263.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History On September 20, 1926 (99 years ago) (1926-09-20), Mercyhurst College opened its doors just a few blocks away from the city's southern boundary.
- •It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Diocese of Erie, who were led by Borgia Egan, who became the first president of Mercyhurst College.
- •On October 5, 1928, two years later, the college received its charter.
- •In 1963, the college prep department separated from the university to form Mercyhurst Preparatory School, which is located behind the university.
- •On February 3, 1969, the board of trustees voted to make Mercyhurst a coed college.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
33.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (106)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + city premium