Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Macon, Georgia
66.5% Acceptance Rate
Mercer University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
66.5%Acceptance Rate
3.98Avg GPA
1280Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$56,494Annual Cost
$58,354Grad Salary
33.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
66.5%
Avg GPA
3.98
Avg SAT
1280
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1180–1350
ACT Middle 50%
25–31
Need-Based Aid
33.3% receive Pell
Mercer University is a private, comprehensive institution in Georgia known for its academic rigor, commitment to community service, and long history of excellence. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters research, critical thinking, and professional preparation. Its focus on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a premier choice for students seeking to reach their full academic and career potential.
Mercer University Acceptance Rate
Mercer University is moderately selective. 66.5% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What Mercer University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 66.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.98 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.78 – 3.97
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.53
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Mercer University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Mercer University is November 1 for Early Action I applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 85 days left — Early Action I
Early Action I
November 1
Early Action II
December 1
Regular Decision
February 1
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Mercer University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Mercer University is 3.98. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.68 and 3.98, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 4.18–4.38.Mercer University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.98 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.78 – 3.97
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.58 – 3.77
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.57
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test policy is disputed across sources - Mercer's own site describes SAT/ACT as required and superscored; verify current-cycle policy directly.
- Merit scholarships ($18K?$25K/year) are automatically considered at admission, no separate application.
- Stamps Scholars (full ride + stipend) requires invitation, a portfolio, and attendance at Presidential Scholars Weekend.
- "Double Bear" pathway gives recent Mercer undergrads a scholarship and priority admission into Mercer grad/professional programs.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Mercer University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Mercer University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Mercer University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Mercer University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Mercer University Without SAT or ACT?
Mercer University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Mercer University Average SAT Score: 1280
The average SAT score of admitted students at Mercer University is 1280 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1280 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Mercer University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1180, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Mercer University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 625 | 580 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 640 | 600 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1280 | 1180 | 1350 |
Below 1180, you're behind most admitted students; at 1350 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Mercer University with a 1350 SAT?
A 1350 SAT puts you ahead of most of Mercer University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Mercer University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Mercer University is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 32 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 31 |
Can I get into Mercer University with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Mercer University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Mercer University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Mercer University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Mercer University takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Apply via Common App or Mercer's own app - pick based on whether you want the Common App essay reused elsewhere
Mercer accepts both with no preference. If you're applying to several Common App schools, use it here too so your personal essay does double duty.
Treat testing as mandatory, not optional
Sources conflict online, but Mercer's own admissions blog states test scores (SAT or ACT, superscored) are required for first-year admission - don't skip this step based on outdated "test optional" info you find elsewhere.
Let merit scholarship consideration happen automatically, then chase the top tier deliberately
Standard merit awards ($18,000?$25,000/year) are automatic on admission - no extra application. But the full-ride Stamps Scholars Program requires an invitation, a portfolio submitted through the Mercer Application, and attendance at Presidential Scholars Weekend - pursue that path early and deliberately if you want to be considered.
If you're a Mercer undergrad eyeing grad school, plan your "Double Bear" path now
Mercer alumni within two years of graduation get a scholarship, priority admission consideration, and a waived application fee into eligible Mercer graduate/professional programs - worth factoring into your undergrad major choice if grad school is likely.
Expert Insight:
Some third-party sites list Mercer as test-optional; Mercer's own admissions office describes testing as required with superscoring. Don't skip the SAT/ACT based on aggregator sites - confirm directly with undergrad.mercer.edu before deciding not to test.
Mercer University Profile
Full Name
Mercer University
City
Macon
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
31207
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Mercer University Degree Worth It?
Mercer University offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $67,200, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.11%.
How much does a degree from Mercer University Cost?
The sticker price is $56,494/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
33.3% of students receive a Pell Grant and 61% take federal loans at Mercer University. File your FAFSA early and list Mercer University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Mercer University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $58,354. That's about 44% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Mercer University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Mercer University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Mercer University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at Mercer University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercer University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Mercer University run about $58,354 a year.
At about $56,494 a year, Mercer University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 33.3% receive a Pell Grant at Mercer University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 66.5%, Mercer University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Mercer University average a 3.98 GPA.
Mercer University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.68 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.58, Mercer University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Mercer University — aim above 1280, ideally within the 1180–1350 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Mercer University is November 1 for Early Action I applicants.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.