Gwynedd Mercy University vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA)
Gwynedd Mercy University and West Chester University of Pennsylvania, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Gwynedd Mercy, a private Catholic university, boasts a smaller student body and a more intimate learning environment, with an acceptance rate of 80% and an average class size of 20. West Chester, a public university, has a larger and more diverse student body, with an acceptance rate of 75% and an average class size of 30. While Gwynedd Mercy excels in nursing, education, and business, West Chester shines in business, education, and communication. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with a variety of clubs and organizations to cater to students' interests. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the specifics of each university, including tuition, financial aid, and graduation rates.
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![]() Gwynedd Mercy University |
![]() West Chester University of Pennsylvania |
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Overview |
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Location | Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania | West Chester, Pennsylvania |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 80.0% | 85.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Catholic | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 90.6% | 89.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | 990 - 1200 | 1070 - 1250 |
ACT range | N/A | 23 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 33.0% | 27.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 1.0% | 1.0% |
Total number of applicants | 904 | 14,020 |
Total number of admissions given out | 819 | 12,528 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 177 | 2,628 |
Yield rate | 21.6% | 21.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $55,418 |
In state:
$28,419
Out of state:
$40,243
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Average net price | $25,843 | $14,133 |
Tuition | $35,344 |
In state:
$7,716
Out of state:
$19,290
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,630
Meal plan:
$6,640
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Room/dormitory:
$5,794
Meal plan:
$3,700
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $22,811 |
100.0%
Average amount $4,607 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
72.0%
Average amount $5,356 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,238 |
Students taking out private loans |
23.0%
Average amount $15,362 |
11.0%
Average amount $11,835 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,792
Men 28.2% Women 71.8% |
14,471
Men 40.0% Women 60.0% |
Graduate students |
729
Men 20.0% Women 80.0% |
3,143
Men 31.7% Women 68.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 11.4% |
International students | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 531 | 5,128 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Maryland New York |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 10:1 | 20:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 54.6% | 72.8% |
Dropout rate | 45.0% | 7.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | 18.4% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Music (Master's Degrees)
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