Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Mercer University, one of America’s oldest and most distinctive universities, is located right in the heart of Georgia. Founded in 1833, Mercer is the only university in the South to offer liberal arts, law, medicine, engineering, and pharmacy at the same institution. In addition, Mercer offers business, education, nursing, music, and theology. With over 70 undergraduate programs to choose from, students are sure to find the degree that fits their interests. Mercer’s reputation for exceptional academics in an engaged learning environment continues to grow. Mercer University has earned national recognition from the U.S. News and World Report, earning a rank as one of the “Best Value Schools” for their academics and outcomes. The university continues to strive for excellence in academia while also continuing to instill service learning and the value of community engagement as a key element of involvement on campus. Mercer also places emphasis on traditions throughout the undergraduate experience. These include climbing the administrative building tower on campus to write your name and leave your mark, and patting the head of a statue of Mercer’s founder at the start and end of your time at Mercer.
Get to know Mercer University
College Highlights
SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT
Service learning, leadership development, and community involvement are three common threads that join all of Mercer’s academic programs and experiences. Mercer students are primed and ready to make a difference in their fields from day one. Undergraduate students are currently working to find better treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; searching for ways to provide electricity for schools in rural areas of Africa; and implementing healthcare and hands-on mental health counseling in developing countries.
MERCER ON MISSION
Mercer On Mission is one of the university’s most popular programs. This initiative takes students out of the classroom and into foreign countries, integrating academic programs with service learning for life changing experiences. Students, faculty, and staff have served 46 international sites including Kenya, Brazil, Guatemala, China, Senegal, South Africa, Costa Rica, and Liberia to aid those in need and learn from cultural immersion. Mercer students have provided over 24,000 prosthetic fittings for amputees across Vietnam, expanding access to affordable mobility solutions, and their work has only just begun. New ideas for making a global impact are created and put into action every semester at Mercer University.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research is emphasized across each of Mercer’s 12 colleges and schools. Students benefit from collaboration across departments, colleges and schools, as well as with other universities and institutions committed to research. The university highlights undergraduate research at its annual BEAR (Breakthroughs in Engagement, Arts, and Research) Day celebration where students present their research to other students, faculty, and staff. Mercer University is recognized nationally as a doctoral research university, with over $51 million dedicated to research initiatives. The university is a leader in the state of Georgia in Goldwater scholars, and has been the home of over 75 Gilman Scholars and 37 Fulbright Scholars in the last 15 years.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 115 | 10-19: 310 | 20-29: 207
30-39: 79 | 40-49: 30 | 50-99: 27 | 100+: 3
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident: 3%
Hispanic/Latine: 9%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 32%
White, non-Hispanic: 41%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 8%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3%
LIBERAL LEARNING
Since 1833, the foundation of a Mercer education has been liberal learning. In all disciplines, including the sciences, the arts, and the humanities, students educated in the liberal arts learn to think for themselves and to seek excellence. Learning at Mercer engages undergraduate students in research and scholarship, emphasizes leadership and service locally and internationally, offers students cutting-edge interdisciplinary programs of study, and provides intensive preparation for students’ future professions.
PRESTIGIOUS AND CARING FACULTY
Mercer University’s reputation is built on its rigorous academic programs, outstanding faculty, and continued professional development support after graduation. Tradition plays an important role in the university’s unique identity as a faith-based institution, committed to religious and intellectual freedom. Students across Mercer’s 12 colleges and schools benefit from a welcoming atmosphere and small-class learning environment. They learn from a prestigious, yet caring, faculty that offer continuing support throughout each student’s academic journey and beyond. Mercer’s faculty members, whose credentials come from some of the world’s finest academic institutions, are distinguished for both teaching and research. A majority of the faculty hold doctorates or the highest attainable degrees in their respective fields.
CENTER FOR COLLABORATIVE JOURNALISM
Mercer is committed to meeting the demands of today’s workforce. This focus drives the creation of new and innovative academic programs, such as the Center for Collaborative Journalism at Mercer University. This program is the first of its kind in the nation to adopt a medical school model for journalism education. The Center engages Mercer students and faculty and the news staff of The Telegraph and Georgia Public Broadcasting in innovative journalism that advances journalistic excellence in the digital age. The Center is already gaining national attention and was featured on the front page of the Business section of The New York Times.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Cross-registration
Double major
Dual enrollment
Great books program
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Undergraduate research
RESIDENCE LIFE
Living on campus is a significant part of the Mercer experience, providing students with opportunities to grow and develop beyond the classroom. Students are required to live on campus through their junior year. From traditional residence halls to apartments, Mercer provides students with a variety of living accommodations. In addition, amenities such as wireless internet, cable television service, laundry facilities/service, food service, and an on-campus police force make living on campus convenient, safe, and fun.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Mercer students pursue interests and extracurricular activities with vigor. That’s why the university has more than 165 student organizations in a myriad of focuses including athletic, service, academic, religious, political, sorority and fraternity chapters, and social organizations. Finding a community on campus is straightforward and easy to discover. Students have a variety of beneficial facilities that make student life comfortable and convenient. Mercer’s University Center houses a fully-equipped fitness center that includes a six-lane lap pool and an indoor track. Also on campus, an Academic Resource Center with free tutoring, state-of-the-art dining with a range of culinary options, and a 24/7 library with resources available for rent are just some of what Mercer has to offer its students during their undergraduate studies.
MERCER VILLAGE
Just across the street from campus is Mercer Village, home to Z Beans Coffee shop, started by a Mercer student inspired by a Mercer On Mission trip. A Mercer staple, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, sits in the center of the village alongside Mercer Village Pizza, Francar’s Wings, and the Mercer Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The Lofts at Mercer Village surround the commercial strip, offering on-campus apartments that contain updated amenities and 24/7 maintenance. During the holiday season, the road leading to Mercer Village is decorated with lights that sync to the local radio station. Students can grab a bite to eat or purchase class materials from the bookstore in the village, just walking distance from the main Historic Quad on campus.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Thanks to a dedicated team of students who put together campus events each year, there is never a dull moment on campus. QuadWorks, Mercer’s student activity board, hosts campus celebrations, outdoor movies, tailgating, and BearStock, a concert series that invites esteemed artists to campus for a performance. Students can also experience off-Broadway theatre productions at Mercer’s own Grand Opera House in downtown Macon, visit historic sites and museums, or shop in the downtown area’s small businesses.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Mercer University is a private research university in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 1833 as Mercer Institute and gaining university status in 1837, it is the oldest private university in the state. Mercer University has campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah and Columbus, plus Regional Academic Centers in Douglas and Henry counties.
ATHLETICS
NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference, Pioneer League.
18 Varsity sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis; baseball; football; softball; and court and sand volleyball
Mascot: Bear
Colors: Orange and Black
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 85%
Undergraduates: 58%
Campus housing options.
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Fraternity/sorority housing
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Every Mercer graduate has the opportunity to join a lasting community of alumni through Mercer’s University Alumni Association. Alumni are engaged from all over the world and keep in touch through events and celebrations such as Mercer Mixers throughout the year. The Association aims to preserve traditions within Mercer and help develop lifelong connections.
Some notable alumni include:
- Nathan Deal, former governor of Georgia
- Bill Yoast, high school football coach made famous in the film, Remember the Titans
- Nancy Grace, TV host of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
- Phil Walden, music pioneer and founder of Capricorn Records
- Cory Gearrin, former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves
DRIVEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS
Mercer University seeks to ensure that its students transition to the next phase of their lives seamlessly and confidently. Mercer invests significant resources in tracking student performance with their academic goals in mind throughout the duration of the student’s degree program. A faculty advisor works closely with each student to identify individual goals and assist in creating a path that supports their goals and satisfies their degree of choice.
Whether it is preparing students for advanced study or for careers in a variety of fields, Mercer offers a comprehensive set of support for furthering their education. In addition to pre-professional tracks, Mercer’s undergraduate students may apply to participate in Special Consideration Programs for the School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for graduate programs.
Mercer’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is a valuable resource for students and alumni in all disciplines. This program supports students, alumni, and even faculty and staff in career development resources. Mercer’s CCPD assists with the job search process, resume building, and even networking events. Mercer hosts companies on campus every year to meet with students and develop professional connections. CCPD resources are also available to alumni who are looking for professional development tools, career pivot advice, and networking events. From start to finish, Mercer has you covered.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Level of applicant’s interest
Important
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | Volunteer work
Considered
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Work experience
TEST SCORES
Required
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1170 | 75th Percentile: 1330
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 590 | 75th Percentile: 680
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 570 | 75th Percentile: 670
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 25 | 75th Percentile: 31
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 29
ACT English
25th Percentile: 24 | 75th Percentile: 33
ACT Science
25th Percentile: 25 | 75th Percentile: 31
ACT Reading
25th Percentile: 28 | 75th Percentile: 34
APPLICATION PROCESS
Mercer University is a member of the Common Application. Students may also apply online at apply.mercer.edu.
A complete application* consists of the following:
- Application for Admission
- Official Transcript(s)
- Official SAT or ACT score(s)**
- $50 Application Fee
*International students may have additional requirements.
**Not applicable for transfer students with more than 30 credit hours.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $43,270
Fees: $300
Room: $7,587
Board: $7,758
Contact Mercer University
Contact Admissions
undergrad.mercer.edu
(478) 301-2650
admissions@mercer.edu
Campus Location
1501 Mercer University Drive
Macon, GA 31207
1 (800) MERCER-U