Academic Comparison between VSU and Mercer

Valdosta State University and Mercer University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VSU is a four-year, public school located in Valdosta, GA and Mercer is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Macon, GA.

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.

  • VSU is a public and Mercer is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mercer has more expensive tuition & fees ($31,565) than VSU ($17,836).
  • It is harder to admit to Mercer than VSU.
  • Mercer has a higher submitted SAT score (1,010) than VSU (1,010).
  • Mercer has higher submitted ACT score (19) than VSU (19).
  • VSU has more students with 10,262 students while Mercer has 9,196 students.
  • Mercer has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while VSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Mercer has more full-time faculties with 476 faculties while VSU has 388 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Valdosta State Universityvs.Mercer University
Valdosta, GeorgiaLocationMacon, Georgia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$6,124
Out-Of-State$17,836
2025 Tuition & Fees$31,565
81%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$8,363Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,862
72.29 %Acceptance Rates68.89 %
25.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.71 %
1,010SAT Score1,250
19ACT Score28
42 %Graduation Rate70 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
72 %Retention Rate82 %
10,262Student Population9,196
388Number of Faculties476
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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