Shorter University vs Mercer
Shorter University and Mercer University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Georgia, offer distinct educational experiences. Shorter University, a private Christian university, boasts a tight-knit community with a focus on faith-based education, while Mercer University, a private research university, emphasizes academic excellence and offers a diverse range of programs. With different acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to different student needs and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Mercer University |
![]() Shorter University |
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Overview |
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Location | Macon, Georgia | Rome, Georgia |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 68.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | Baptist | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 75.4% | 81.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$25
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SAT range | 1220 - 1400 | 960 - 1190 |
ACT range | 28 - 32 | 17 - 24 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 12.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 17.0% | 17.0% |
Total number of applicants | 7,201 | 1,149 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,430 | 933 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 950 | 309 |
Yield rate | 17.5% | 33.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | 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 | $56,162 | $40,961 |
Average net price | $21,164 | $16,438 |
Tuition | $38,446 | $22,380 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,580
Meal plan:
$6,858
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Room/dormitory:
$5,000
Meal plan:
$4,400
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $32,845 |
99.0%
Average amount $18,107 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
51.0%
Average amount $5,473 |
64.0%
Average amount $5,550 |
Students taking out private loans |
16.0%
Average amount $10,195 |
6.0%
Average amount $9,447 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
4,941
Men 34.6% Women 65.4% |
1,332
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
Graduate students |
4,068
Men 31.4% Women 68.6% |
128
Men 53.1% Women 46.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 11.6% | 15.2% |
International students | 2.6% | 2.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 3,025 | 760 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Georgia Florida Alabama South Carolina Tennessee | Georgia Alabama Florida Tennessee Arizona |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 73.6% | 37.2% |
Dropout rate | 4.8% | 62.4% |
Transferred out | 21.2% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degrees)
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
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