Academic Comparison between Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst University

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College and Mercyhurst University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State Behrend is a four-year, public school located in Erie, PA and Mercyhurst University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Erie, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Penn State Behrend is a public and Mercyhurst University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mercyhurst University has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,510) than Penn State Behrend ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Mercyhurst University than Penn State Behrend.
  • Penn State Behrend has more students with 3,295 students while Mercyhurst University has 2,801 students.
  • Penn State Behrend has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Mercyhurst University's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Penn State Behrend has more full-time faculties with 286 faculties while Mercyhurst University has 127 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend Collegevs.Mercyhurst University
Erie, PennsylvaniaLocationErie, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees$44,510
74%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$10,004Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,009
96.00 %Acceptance Rates83.00 %
18.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.00 %
1,210SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
42 %Graduation Rate63 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
82 %Retention Rate80 %
3,295Student Population2,801
286Number of Faculties127
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services