Mercer University is a private research institution in Macon, Georgia, ranked #169 in US News Best National Universities 2026 and #38 in Best Value Schools 2026. Founded in 1833, the university enrols students across 12 schools spanning liberal arts, business, engineering, health sciences, law and theology.
Mercer offers over 130 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate programmes fully taught in English, including MBA, MS Business Analytics, MS Biomedical Engineering, MS Cybersecurity and MSE Computer Engineering. For Indian applicants, three graduate intakes run each year (Fall, Spring, Summer) and the university is designated for F-1 visa sponsorship. See our full MS in USA guide for peer context.
- Ranking: #169 US News National Universities 2026; #38 Best Value 2026
- Acceptance rate: 69% (Early Action 82.7%)
- Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
- PG tuition: $17,784 to $18,702 per year (₹17 lakh to ₹17.9 lakh)
- Merit scholarship band: $18,000 to $27,000 per year (₹17.2 lakh to ₹25.8 lakh) for admitted first-year students
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Undergraduate direct tuition and fees run $45,284 per year (₹43.3 lakh) with total on-campus cost of attendance at $65,380 (₹62.5 lakh). All admitted freshmen are automatically screened for merit awards, and the F-1 route grants up to 12 months of OPT with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible programmes. Full study in USA policy context supports the fee planning below.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.54 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 undergraduate intake and multiple 2026-27 graduate intakes). Fall 2027 first-year Early Action I closes 1 November 2026, Early Action II closes 1 December 2026, and Regular Decision closes 1 February 2027. Graduate School of Business Session II for Fall 2026 closes 1 October 2026, Spring 2027 Session I closes 1 December 2026, and graduate engineering international applications for Summer/Fall 2027 close 1 March 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Mercer University 2027
- Mercer University Admission 2027
- Mercer University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Mercer University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Mercer University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Mercer University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Mercer University Scholarships 2027
- Mercer University Rankings 2027
- Mercer University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Mercer University vs Peer Universities
- Mercer University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Mercer University 2027
Mercer University prices graduate programmes on a per-credit basis, most masters degrees requiring 30 to 36 credit hours. The tuition rates below cover the 2026-27 academic year; the Board of Trustees revises the schedule each spring for the next cycle.
Top Postgraduate Programmes at Mercer University
Each PG course listed below runs two years with a per-credit rate published on the Bursar site. Total cost equals per-credit rate multiplied by required credits, plus the $28-per-credit graduate facility and technology fee (capped at $350 per semester).
| Programme | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Specialized) | $35,568 | ₹34 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Business Analytics | $36,648 | ₹35 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Biomedical Engineering | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSE Computer Engineering | $37,404 | ₹35.7 lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSE Software Engineering | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in CS or related with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Cybersecurity | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSE Electrical Engineering | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSE Mechanical Engineering | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MSE Environmental Engineering | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Preclinical Sciences | $35,964 | ₹34.4 lakh | Life sciences bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
Top Undergraduate Programmes at Mercer University
Undergraduate residential tuition is a flat annual rate for full-time enrolment (12 to 18 credits per semester). Every four-year programme carries the same base tuition of $44,784 per year plus a $500 facility and technology fee.
| Programme | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Nursing | $181,136 | ₹173.1 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | $181,136 | ₹173.1 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| BBA Accounting | $181,136 | ₹173.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | $181,136 | ₹173.1 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 75% (recommended) |
| BA English Literature | $181,136 | ₹173.1 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 75% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students most often select MS Business Analytics, MSE Computer Engineering and MSE Software Engineering because these three degrees are STEM-designated and unlock the 24-month OPT extension.
Read More: Mercer University Fees and Programmes Guide
Mercer University Admission 2027
Mercer University runs three intakes for graduate programmes (Fall, Spring, Summer) and one primary Fall intake for undergraduate applicants. Indian applicants typically target Fall for the fullest programme choice and merit-scholarship consideration.
Mercer University UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate Fall 2027 admission runs three application rounds. Early Action I applicants receive the earliest merit decisions.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action I deadline | 1 November 2026 | Best window for merit scholarship review |
| Early Action II deadline | 1 December 2026 | Non-binding; decisions by late January |
| Regular Decision deadline | 1 February 2027 | Standard round; visa timeline still workable |
| Enrollment deposit | 1 May 2027 | National Decision Day for confirming seat |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Orientation and F-1 check-in the prior week |
Mercer University PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate deadlines vary by school. Business runs multiple sessions each term while engineering follows a single international deadline per intake.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Grad Business Fall 2026 Session II | 1 October 2026 | Rolling after priority date |
| Grad Business Spring 2027 Session I | 1 December 2026 | Applies to MBA and MS Business Analytics |
| Grad Engineering Summer/Fall 2027 (International) | 1 March 2027 | Applies to all MSE and MS engineering programmes |
| Grad Business Spring 2027 Session II | 1 March 2027 | Second sub-term start for Spring intake |
| Credential evaluation (WES or Josef Silny) | Start 4 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course report required for all Indian transcripts |
Planning note: Start the WES or Josef Silny credential evaluation before you submit the graduate application; the report usually takes 3 to 4 weeks and universities cannot issue an I-20 until the transcript evaluation is on file.
Read More: Mercer University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Mercer University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Mercer University publishes uniform baseline requirements for Indian applicants, with additional programme-specific documents at graduate level.
Mercer University PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree with 55% to 60% (or CGPA 5.5 to 6.0 out of 10) recommended for most masters; business analytics and engineering prefer 60%+ (recommended)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115 (School of Business and School of Engineering accept Duolingo)
- Credential evaluation: Course-by-course report from WES or Josef Silny & Associates
- Other: Statement of purpose, two recommendation letters, resume; GRE and GMAT are not required for most Mercer masters programmes
Mercer University UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 completion with 65% to 85% (recommended, varies by programme)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115 or ITEP Academic Plus 4.5
- English waiver: SAT 580 (EBRW) or ACT 23 in Reading and English qualifies for waiver; IB English grades also accepted
Key insight: Indian students in an English-medium Class 12 board do not automatically qualify for an English test waiver; the waiver applies to accredited US secondary schools and 11 named English-majority countries, so plan to take IELTS or Duolingo unless you cross the SAT or ACT thresholds.
Mercer University Acceptance Rate 2027
Mercer University reports an overall acceptance rate of 69%, with the Early Action pool clearing at 82.7%. The rate has held steady near 70% for the past three admission cycles, reflecting a mid-selective private university profile.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Class of 2030) | 69% | Stable |
| 2025 (Class of 2029) | 70% (estimated) | Flat |
| 2024 (Class of 2028) | 72% (estimated) | Modestly higher |
Graduate school acceptance rates are not published university-wide; School of Business and School of Engineering evaluate on a rolling basis and admit most complete applications that clear the academic and English minimums.
Reality check: A 69% overall acceptance rate is generous for a private US National University, but the Early Action lift to 82.7% shows Mercer clearly rewards early applicants; submit by 1 November 2026 for the strongest merit-scholarship review.
Read More: Mercer University Acceptance Rate Analysis
Mercer University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Annual all-in cost for an Indian student at Mercer University sits at $65,380 (₹62.5 lakh) for undergraduate residential enrolment and $37,000 to $39,000 (₹35.4 lakh to ₹37.3 lakh) for a full-time PG year including living costs.
Mercer University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
Tuition is billed annually for undergraduate residential and per-credit for graduate. The rates below are the official Bursar figures published for the 2026-27 academic year.
| Programme Level | Annual Tuition ($) | Annual Tuition (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate residential (tuition + tech fee) | $45,284 | ₹43.3 lakh |
| MBA (Specialized) | $17,784 | ₹17 lakh |
| MS Business Analytics | $18,324 | ₹17.5 lakh |
| MS Biomedical Engineering | $17,982 | ₹17.2 lakh |
| MSE Computer Engineering | $18,702 | ₹17.9 lakh |
[Source: Mercer University Bursar]
Monthly Cost of Living in Macon for Indian Students
Macon is a mid-sized Georgia city and one of the cheapest US university towns for Indian students. Mercer publishes an official nine-month cost estimate that we convert to monthly figures below.
| Category | Monthly ($) | Monthly (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (on-campus) | $894 | ₹85,413 |
| Food (meal plan) | $874 | ₹83,502 |
| Transportation | $134 | ₹12,802 |
| Books and supplies | $133 | ₹12,707 |
| Personal expenses | $190 | ₹18,153 |
| Total monthly | $2,225 | ₹2,12,577 |
| Total annual (9 months) | $20,028 | ₹19.1 lakh |
Insider note: Off-campus one-bedroom apartments near Mercer Village rent for $700 to $950 per month, which is roughly 15% to 25% cheaper than a comparable US urban campus like Atlanta or Boston.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Mercer University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Mercer University’s main campus sits on 150 acres in Macon, Georgia, roughly 85 miles south of Atlanta. Additional campuses operate in Atlanta and Savannah for graduate and health-sciences programmes.
- Location: Macon; served by I-75, Middle Georgia Regional Airport and 90-minute drive to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
- Housing: First-year students required to live on campus; four-year residency guarantee available; on-campus rooms $894 per month with meal plan bundled
- Facilities: University Center athletics complex, Tarver Library, School of Engineering research labs, Mercer Innovation Center start-up hub, Robert McDuffie Center for Strings
- Indian community: Small but active South Asian Student Association; Indian and Pakistani grocery stores within a 15-minute drive; Hindu temple in Middle Georgia region
What Indian students say: Macon is quiet and safe with a strong professor-to-student ratio; students recommend budgeting for a car by second semester because public transport is limited compared with Atlanta or Boston.
Mercer University Scholarships 2027
Mercer University offers automatic merit awards for admitted undergraduates plus several competitive scholarships. International graduate students are eligible for the merit band but excluded from most residency-restricted programmes.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Merit Scholarships | Merit (automatic) | $18,000 to $27,000 per year (₹17.2 lakh to ₹25.8 lakh) | All admitted first-year undergraduates including international | Application deadline (1 Feb 2027) |
| Stamps Scholars Program | Merit (competitive) | Full tuition + housing + food + $16,000 enrichment stipend | Invited first-year applicants; leadership and service record | 1 November 2026 |
| Tuition Exchange | Merit (parent-linked) | Full tuition and fees | Parent employed at partner institution | 1 December 2026 |
| Bessie Willingham Tift Scholarship | Merit (state-restricted) | Full tuition + housing + food | Georgia high school seniors by invitation | 1 November 2026 |
Graduate School of Business and School of Engineering also offer partial tuition assistantships case-by-case; contact the department directly after admission.
Planning note: International students are not eligible for FAFSA or state aid, so the Initial Merit Scholarship band of $18,000 to $27,000 (₹17.2 lakh to ₹25.8 lakh) is the realistic funding lever; apply by Early Action I on 1 November 2026 to be reviewed first.
Read More: Mercer University Scholarships Guide
Mercer University Rankings 2027
Mercer University’s strongest ranking body is US News, which places the university at #169 in National Universities 2026 and #38 in Best Value 2026. Mercer is not currently ranked in the QS World or THE World tables.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | 2026: #169 | 2025: #165 | 2024: #170 |
| US News Best Value Schools | 2026: #38 | 2025: #40 | NA |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2024: #170 (US News) | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Not ranked in QS 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2025 | Not ranked in THE 2024 |
[Source: US News, QS, THE]
Mercer performs strongly at the subject level in US News: #13 for Psychology, #21 for Public Health, #34 for Law, #38 for Nursing and #46 for Undergraduate Engineering (2026 editions).
Key insight: For Indian applicants, US News Best Value #38 matters more than a world-table absence; the metric factors net price against academic quality, which translates directly to lower total investment for the same US degree.
Read More: Mercer University Rankings Analysis
Mercer University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Mercer University reports strong career outcomes for its Stetson-Hatcher School of Business and School of Engineering, with career services running centralised for undergraduate and graduate cohorts.
- Employment rate (6 months): 92% of Mercer graduates report employment, graduate school or service placement within six months (Career Services annual outcomes)
- Median starting salary (Bachelor’s): $55,000 to $65,000 (₹52.5 lakh to ₹62.1 lakh) across engineering, business and nursing (market median, US News)
- Post-MBA salary: $70,000 to $85,000 (₹66.9 lakh to ₹81.2 lakh) for full-time MBA cohorts (market median)
- Top recruiter sectors: aerospace and defence, health systems, banking, IT services, US federal government (representative sectors, not exhaustive)
- OPT and STEM: All F-1 students eligible for 12-month OPT; STEM-designated MS Business Analytics, MSE Computer, MSE Software and MS Biomedical qualify for the 24-month STEM extension
Insider note: Robins Air Force Base and Geico’s Macon operations are two large Middle Georgia employers that hire STEM and business graduates locally, easing the OPT job-search timeline for Indian graduates who prefer to stay near campus.
Mercer University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below covers private US universities in a comparable tier (US News #150 to #200) that Indian applicants weigh alongside Mercer for value, class size and STEM programmes.
| University | US News National 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer University | #169 | $17,984 (₹17.2 lakh) | Best Value #38; STEM-designated MS lineup |
| Duquesne University | #166 (estimated) | $27,000 (₹25.8 lakh) (estimated) | Pittsburgh location; strong pharmacy and business |
| University of Tulsa | #166 (estimated) | $26,000 (₹24.8 lakh) (estimated) | Petroleum engineering strength |
| Hofstra University | #178 (estimated) | $32,000 (₹30.6 lakh) (estimated) | New York metro area; media and law |
Mercer stands out on cost-adjusted return: its graduate tuition is 30% to 45% lower than peer private universities in the same US News band, while retaining STEM designation and F-1 sponsorship. For Indian students weighing sticker price against ranking, Mercer’s Best Value #38 placement is the strongest data point.
Mercer University fits Indian students seeking a mid-selective private US degree at $37,000 to $65,000 all-in per year (₹35.4 lakh to ₹62.5 lakh) with STEM OPT access and a median starting salary of $55,000+ (₹52.5 lakh) that recovers a two-year MS investment within two working years on an F-1 to H-1B pathway.
Mercer is not the right fit for applicants set on top-100 world-table brand recognition or a large metropolitan campus; if that is the priority, consider Georgia Institute of Technology or Georgia State University in Atlanta instead.
Mercer University FAQs
Ques. Is GRE or GMAT required for Mercer University graduate programmes?
Ans. Mercer University does not require GRE or GMAT for most masters programmes, including MBA, MS Business Analytics, MSE Computer Engineering and MSE Software Engineering. Applicants are evaluated on their bachelor’s transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and English proficiency scores. Submitting a strong GRE or GMAT score can still support merit scholarship consideration for competitive programmes such as MS Biomedical Engineering, but it is not a filter.
Ques. Which Mercer University masters programmes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Ans. Mercer’s STEM-designated masters programmes eligible for the 24-month OPT extension include MS Business Analytics, MSE Computer Engineering, MSE Software Engineering, MSE Biomedical Engineering, MS Cybersecurity, MSE Electrical Engineering, MSE Mechanical Engineering and MSE Environmental Engineering. These programmes give Indian graduates a total of 36 months of US work authorisation after graduation, which is the longest window for F-1 visa holders.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Mercer?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Mercer can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. On-campus jobs include library, dining, lab and research assistantships, typically paying $10 to $15 per hour. Off-campus employment requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorisation and is only allowed after the first academic year for internships tied to the programme.
Ques. What is the application fee for international students at Mercer?
Ans. The undergraduate international application fee at Mercer is $100 if submitted through the Common Application or Mercer Direct Application. For the School of Business, the international graduate application fee is $100, and the School of Engineering charges $75 for graduate applications. Fee waivers are not routinely offered to international applicants, so budget for the fee at the point of application.
Ques. How does an Indian applicant get an English test waiver at Mercer University?
Ans. An Indian applicant cannot claim an English test waiver simply because Class 12 was English-medium. Mercer’s waiver applies to accredited US secondary schools, 11 named English-majority countries (including the UK, Australia, Canada), the IB programme with qualifying English grades, or SAT 580 EBRW / ACT 23 in Reading and English. Most Indian applicants therefore need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Mercer University?
Ans. Mercer University’s F-1 I-20 is accepted by all major Indian education loan providers, including SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, InCred and international lenders like MPOWER and Prodigy Finance. Secured loans up to Rs 1.5 crore are common for full residential undergraduate cost; unsecured loans up to Rs 40 to 50 lakh cover most graduate programmes. Sanction typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after I-20 receipt.
Ques. Does Mercer University offer conditional admission for Indian students below the English score?
Ans. Mercer offers conditional admission through its English Language Institute pathway for applicants who are academically admissible but fall short of TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5. Students complete intensive English coursework on the Macon campus and progress to degree study once they meet the language threshold. This adds one to two semesters and additional tuition, but preserves the F-1 status and admission offer.
Ques. What documents does an Indian applicant need for the Mercer I-20?
Ans. To receive the Form I-20 for the F-1 visa, an Indian applicant must submit a signed Confidential Financial Statement, bank statements or scholarship letters covering at least the first-year cost of attendance, a copy of the passport bio page and any dependant passport pages. Mercer’s International Student and Scholar Services issues the I-20 within 5 to 10 business days after all documents are verified.
Mercer University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 2 years | USD 17,784 /Yr | 100 | GPA:3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80 | ||
M.S Business Analytics 2 years | USD 18,324 /Yr | 100 | GPA:3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80 | ||
M.A Computer Engineering 2 years | USD 18,702 /Yr | 75 | GPA:3.2, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80 |
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Mercer University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Mercer University Admissions
Application Portal: https://bethebear.com/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Mercer University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Mercer University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7059 | 6595 | 464 | - |


















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You need to fill out an mercer application on the online portal and send documents through post or e-mail as per availability. Common requirements are:
You can check Mercer University Admissions for more information.