Mercer University

What are the graduation rates for students at Mercer University?

Mercer University demonstrates notably strong graduation outcomes, with an overall graduation rate of 73%, placing it in the top 20% nationally. The data reveals that women at Mercer graduate at a higher rate of 78%, also within the top 20% bracket, while men graduate at a slightly lower rate of 67%, ranking Mercer in the top 25% for male students. These figures suggest a consistent level of academic success across genders, albeit with women showing a somewhat stronger completion trend.

The four-year graduation rate stands at 64%, again securing Mercer University a spot among the top 20% of institutions. This metric reflects the share of students who complete their undergraduate studies within the traditional time frame, which is a valuable indicator for prospective students weighing the efficiency of their potential education path. Furthermore, the six-year graduation rate-often considered a more inclusive measure of student persistence-matches the overall graduation rate at 73%, reinforcing the university's capacity to retain and graduate students over an extended period.

Retention rates are likewise robust, with 83% of first-time students returning after their first year. This high retention rate, in the top 30% nationally, indicates strong institutional support and student satisfaction, factors that often correlate with eventual degree completion. While graduation rates broken down by specific majors or degree types are not available, these aggregate figures reflect a general academic environment conducive to student success.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Mercer University?

Graduates from Mercer University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those who have completed degrees in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, with early career earnings averaging around $64,379. Similarly, graduates with a background in Engineering, General earn an average of $62,626, reflecting strong demand in technical and applied sciences.

In the business-related disciplines, earnings vary but remain competitive. For example, alumni with a degree in Finance and Financial Management Services report earnings near $53,576, while those focusing on Business/Commerce, General and Human Resources Management and Services earn around $45,912 and $44,179 respectively. Graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations have an average salary of approximately $43,200.

The communication and social sciences fields also provide solid opportunities. For instance, students with a degree in Social Sciences, General find starting salaries near $37,333, and those who studied Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods earn roughly $34,454 early in their careers. Fields like Human Services, General and Marketing yield earnings close to $33,426 and $33,298 respectively.

Degrees in Criminal Justice and Corrections show average earnings of $31,257, while Communication and Media Studies graduates earn about $30,885. Other liberal arts areas such as Psychology, General and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities have starting salary averages of $27,745 and $26,300.

Some language-related studies like Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics present lower early career earnings around $20,972, while fields like Biology, General register earnings near $23,164.