Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania

As one of 16 Sisters of Mercy colleges and universities in the United States, GMercyU is shaped by its Catholic identity and Mercy heritage. It’s a place where values are valued, open dialogue is encouraged, and service is expected. Focusing on educating the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, socially, and morally—GMercyU offers professional education grounded in the liberal arts, so students are prepared to do more than just do. Distinctive Mercy Graduates are prepared to think critically, communicate clearly, and live productive and meaningful lives.
With a campus community that is small but big hearted, GMercyU students find a warm and inclusive community in which to learn, grow, and succeed.
“During my time here, I’ve been amazed at the encouragement and kindness from my professors, the quality of the curriculum, and the practical experience and the incredible, professional opportunities that I have been given throughout my studies. This is a very special place, and you will really grow while you’re here” –Diego Taylor ’20, Education
Get to know Gwynedd Mercy University
College Highlights
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Through the Griffin Student Leadership Institute, students are invited to participate in a multi-year, comprehensive leadership program that offers three levels of leadership certification: Emerging Leaders, Organizational Leadership, and Exceptional Leadership. In addition, the GSLI holds a campus-wide leadership conference each year for the entire GMercyU community.
Students also have many opportunities to take on leadership roles in any of the dozens of clubs and organizations on campus.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
To help students make a successful transition to college, Gwynedd Mercy University’s First-Year Experience program focuses on helping students successfully manage the academic and social aspects of college life, as well the importance of giving back through community service. Through two courses and myriad planned activities, students join together to explore issues, such as academic integrity, time management, communication skills, research skills, information literacy, and social responsibility. Students also participate in a common reading program, complete an AlcoholEdu program, and spend time learning about the University’s Mercy history and heritage and the high-impact practices that support students in becoming a Distinctive Mercy Graduates.
GLOBAL LEARNING AND SERVICE
Beginning as early as students’ first week on campus, there is a tremendous emphasis placed on service at Gwynedd Mercy University. In keeping with the University’s Mercy history and heritage, students are encouraged to step outside their immediate worlds and take part in weekly service projects across the greater Philadelphia area. They’re also invited to participate in annual Alternative Spring Break service trips that are designed to make differences in communities and the lives of individuals around the country and the world. In 2019, for example, one group of students traveled to Laredo, Texas where they visited the U.S. and Mexico border where they were able to meet with immigrants and hear their stories. They also completed service activities on a Native American Reservation.
Gwynedd Mercy University also encourages students to turn the world into their classroom through study abroad programs in 26 countries, including a Dublin Pilgrimage to the Mercy International Centre in Ireland, which was built by Catherine McAuley before she founded the Sisters of Mercy.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 0%
Hispanic/Latinx: 5%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 21%
White, non-Hispanic: 63%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 5%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 1%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 4%
CLOSE FACULTY CONNECTIONS
Faculty mentoring is one of the hallmarks of the GMercyU experience. With a student-faculty ratio of just 10:1, Gwynedd Mercy University offers plenty of opportunities for faculty and students to really get to know one another. Faculty not only support students academically, but they take a genuine interest in helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. Many faculty members bring both academic credentials and years of professional experience to their classrooms, giving students opportunities to step outside the classroom and into the real world through networking and professional development opportunities, as well as through internships, clinicals, student teaching, research, memberships in professional associations, and participation in industry conferences.
“Every professor I have ever encountered at GMercyU is personally interested in your success. They’re there for you when you’re doing well, and they’re there for you when you’re struggling. They’ll ask you how you’re doing, how your life is going—they genuinely care about you and want to hear what you have to say.” – Craig Vinciguerra, Management ‘18
LIBERAL ARTS
In addition to the courses in the major, students also take courses in the liberal arts to extend their understanding of the world, developing the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills they need to be successful in today’s changing world. These courses focus on the critical thinking, reflection, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills so much in demand by today’s employers, encouraging an open dialogue in warm and welcoming learning environments.
INTERNSHIPS, CLINICALS, PRACTICALS
100% of Gwynedd Mercy University’s full-time students participate in a real-world learning experience, including service, internships, or research. Many students also join professional associations, contribute to the University’s annual research conference, participate the Griffin Student Leadership Institute, and attend/present at industry conferences.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Student Success Center, located in the Learning Commons, is Gwynedd Mercy University’s hub of academic support. The Student Success Center offers one-on-one and small group tutoring, placement assessments, academic workshops and advising, and many other resources. The Learning Commons also houses Advising, First-Year Experience, and the Career Development Center, which offers career support throughout all four years of a student’s academic journey.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
In addition to Learning Communities, such as the Honors Program, Gwynedd Mercy University offers a wide array of co-curricular opportunities for students to join other students as they develop their leadership skills, support those in need, gain real-world experience, and further explore the world and their role in it.
RESIDENCE LIFE
With four residence halls and dozens of clubs and activities, Gwynedd Mercy University offers a perfect home away from home. Each residence hall offers bright and airy rooms, along with access to a community lounge, kitchen, and laundry area. The Residence Life staff makes students feel welcome, available both day and night when needed.
CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
In 2015, Gwynedd Mercy University launched a unique Campus Conversation Series designed to provide an open forum for education and discussion about some of the nation’s most pressing and controversial issues. The series presents multiple sides of an issue and opens the door to an open dialogue among students, experts in the field, and the general public. GMercyU also frequently hosts discussions, lectures, and events on a variety of different topics to educate the community.
VOICES OF GWYNEDD
Enriching the campus and the region, the Voices of Gwynedd is a 100-member choir comprising students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Gwynedd Mercy University. In addition to on-campus concerts and events throughout the year, the ensemble represents the University at a number of high-profile regional events, and in international venues around the world.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Located on 314 private acres in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, Gwynedd Mercy University offers the best of all worlds. While on campus, students can enjoy running along tree-lined paths; relaxing with friends in one of four residence halls; hanging out in the Late Night, Griffinaerie or Rotelle Lounges; or catching a sporting event in the Griffin Complex. When it’s time for a change of scene, local restaurants, shopping areas, and movie theaters are within minutes of campus. Within 30 minutes, students can be in the heart of Philadelphia enjoying its many historical sites, museums, restaurants, sporting events, concerts, and career opportunities.
THE GRIFFIN EDGE
Built on the five E’s—Excellence, Engagement, Experience, Empathy, and Encouragement—The Griffin Edge helps GMercyU students make the most of the investment they’re making in college. Through this personalized program, students embark on an intentional, reflective, and proactive educational journey designed to help them launch successful careers and live meaningful lives. Students also document and reflect on their college experience, so they can tell their story in concrete and meaningful ways to future employers.
SERVICE-LEARNING
Service-learning is an integral part of the GMercyU experience. In keeping with the University’s history and heritage of helping those most in need, all students engage in service learning programs. In addition to those included in the First-Year Experience and offered throughout the year, students are encouraged to make service a regular part of their lives. Each year, Gwynedd Mercy University takes students around the country and around the world as part of its Alternative Spring Break service-learning experiences.
CAPSTONE COURSES
All students complete a capstone course designed to synthesize the knowledge and skills that they gained throughout their programs. They provide a means for their demonstration of advanced research, critical thinking, communication, and other essential skills within their disciplines.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Through Gwynedd Mercy University’s Career Development Center, students can get help identifying career goals, developing effective job search strategies and skills, and putting themselves on a path to career success. GMercyU’s Career Development Center also regularly sponsors workshops and programs to connect students with career resources, including career assessment tools, résumé-writing and interviewing support, graduate school application preparation, internships, job fairs, and many other NAL.
Admission
FRESHMAN PROFILE
- Average GPA: 3.3
- 24% People of Color
- 58% Public High School
- 30% Catholic High School
- 10% Charter School
- 1% Private School
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $35,344
Fees: $900
Room: $5,630
Board: $6,370
Financial Aid
At Gwynedd Mercy University,100% of first-time, full-time students received some form of financial aid in 2019-2020, including generous scholarships. GMercyU also offers a special full tuition scholarship to eligible Honors Program students in the last semester of their senior year.
In addition to generous University merit scholarships and grants, eligible Gwynedd Mercy University students can take advantage of state and federal financial aid programs to make a GMercyU education even more affordable. GMercyU financial aid professionals also work closely with students to answer any questions they have along the way.
GMercyU merit scholarships and grants are offered to eligible first-time students and transfer students.
What Others are Saying
Contact Gwynedd Mercy University
Contact Admissions
gmercyu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions
(215) 641-5510
admissions@gmercyu.edu
Campus Location
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
(215) 646-7300