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Gannon University vs Mercyhurst University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Erie PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Erie PA

The verdict

Gannon University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,212 in 8.6 years versus not at all at Mercyhurst University, on median earnings of $58,845 vs $47,452 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGannon UniversityMercyhurst University
Net price / yr$22,553$19,444
Total net cost$90,212$77,776
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,845$47,452
Median debt$27,000$25,305
Payback8.6 yrs
20-year net return$119,488-$95,936

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Gannon University or Mercyhurst University?

Mercyhurst University, at $19,444 a year after aid versus $22,553 — a gap of $3,109 a year, or $12,436 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Gannon University or Mercyhurst University graduates earn more?

Gannon University graduates report a median $58,845 ten years after entry, $11,393 more than the $47,452 at Mercyhurst University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Gannon University or Mercyhurst University?

Mercyhurst University: its completers carry a median $25,305 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Gannon University, a difference of $1,695. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Gannon University, against 60% at Mercyhurst University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Gannon University vs Mercyhurst University: frequently asked questions

Is Gannon University or Mercyhurst University a better value?
Gannon University. It clears its $90,212 net cost in about 8.6 years versus no clear payback at Mercyhurst University, on median earnings of $58,845 vs $47,452 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Gannon University or Mercyhurst University?
Mercyhurst University: $19,444/yr net price after aid versus $22,553/yr at Gannon University — a difference of $3,109 a year, or about $12,436 over four years.
Do Gannon University or Mercyhurst University graduates earn more?
Gannon University graduates earn a median $58,845 ten years after entry, versus $47,452 at Mercyhurst University — a $11,393 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.