Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Dobbs Ferry, New York
85.5% Acceptance Rate
Mercy University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
85.5%Acceptance Rate
3.19Avg GPA
1125Avg SAT
$32,391Annual Cost
$52,055Grad Salary
47.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
85.5%
Avg GPA
3.19
Avg SAT
1125
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1085–1155
Need-Based Aid
47.3% receive Pell
Mercy University is a private institution in New York known for its commitment to accessible, student-centered education. With a focus on career preparation and personalized mentorship, the university provides a supportive environment that helps a diverse student body achieve their academic and professional potential.
Mercy University Acceptance Rate
Mercy University (Mercy) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 85.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 85.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.19 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.99 – 3.18
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.74
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Mercy GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Mercy is 3.19. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.39-3.59 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.89 and 3.19, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Mercy GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Mercy utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.19, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.19 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.99 – 3.18
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.79 – 2.98
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.78
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Renamed from Mercy College to Mercy University in August 2023; same accreditation (Middle States), EIN, campus locations, and website (mercy.edu).
- No personal essay or letter of recommendation required for First-Year general admission; test-optional/flexible with self-reported scores accepted.
- Competitive programs (e.g., Physical Therapy) require a separate essay, faculty interview, and GRE scores beyond general admission.
- Mercy Scholars Program offers a full four-year ride (tuition, books, fees) for qualified incoming high school students; the Catalyst Program provides added financial and mentoring support for eligible students.
- The Rigor Metric: At Mercy, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Mercy
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Mercy 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.
Mercy University (Mercy) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Mercy Without SAT or ACT?
Mercy University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Mercy University Average SAT Score: 1125
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Mercy University is 1125 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1125 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1125 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1155 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Mercy University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1085, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Mercy. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1125 | 1085 | 1155 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1085 then you are below most of the admitted students at Mercy and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1155 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Mercy University (Mercy) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Mercy University (Mercy) are good but the admission staff at Mercy tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Mercy
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Mercy is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Know That "Mercy University" and "Mercy College" Refer to the Same Institution - Search Accordingly
Mercy College became Mercy University in August 2023 after New York State changed its criteria for university status; the website (mercy.edu), accreditation, EIN, and campus locations (Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan) all stayed the same. Older financial aid documents, forum posts, and transcripts may still say "Mercy College" - treat these as fully current and interchangeable rather than assuming outdated or unrelated information.
Skip Essay-Polishing for General Admission, But Prepare One for Physical Therapy or Similarly Competitive Programs
Mercy's First-Year application requires no personal essay and no letter of recommendation for general admission - GPA and transcript carry the weight. But competitive programs like Physical Therapy require a dedicated essay explaining your motivation for the field, plus a faculty interview and GRE scores, layered on top of the general application. Confirm early which category your intended major falls into so you're not caught unprepared for a program-specific essay and interview close to a deadline.
Apply to the Mercy Scholars Program If You're a Strong High School Junior or Senior - It's a Full-Ride, Not Just a Discount
Mercy explicitly encourages qualified high school students to apply for the Mercy Scholars Program, which covers tuition, books, and fees for all four years - a full-ride, not a partial award. Given Mercy's already-low sticker price (as low as $892/credit), stacking this scholarship on top makes a genuinely selective, high-value pursuit worth the extra application effort well before senior year ends.
Use the Catalyst Program's 360-Degree Mentoring If You're a First-Generation or Underrepresented Applicant
Mercy's Catalyst Program pairs institutional know-how with financial support and comprehensive mentoring specifically designed to jumpstart college careers for students who might otherwise face early academic risk. If your profile fits (first-generation, need-based, or historically underrepresented in higher ed), ask admissions directly about Catalyst eligibility during your application - it isn't automatically flagged from a general application alone.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes treat all Mercy University majors as having the same lightweight, essay-free application Mercy is known for - but competitive health-science programs like Physical Therapy require a full separate gauntlet (essay, GRE scores, faculty interview) layered on top of general admission, and discovering this late, after assuming the general "no essay required" policy applies universally, can cost an applicant a full admissions cycle.
Mercy Profile
Full Name
Mercy University (Mercy)
City
Dobbs Ferry
State
New York
ZIP Code
10522
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Mercy Degree Worth It?
Getting into Mercy can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Mercy offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Mercy is $57,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.29%.
How much does a degree from Mercy Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Mercy University is $32,391. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Mercy University is much less than this.
47.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Mercy and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Mercy University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Mercy as your choice in the form.
How much does a Mercy Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $52,055. An average Mercy graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Mercy University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Mercy University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Mercy University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Mercy
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Mercy University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercy Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52,055 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,391 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
47.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Mercy University is 85.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.19. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.89, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.89, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.79 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.19, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Mercy University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1125 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1085–1155.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.