Mercer University vs Brenau University: which has better ROI?
Mercer University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,388 in 9.5 years versus 13.4 years at Brenau University, on median earnings of $58,354 vs $54,003 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Mercer University | Brenau University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,847 | $18,924 |
| Total net cost | $95,388 | $75,696 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,354 | $54,003 |
| Median debt | $24,199 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 9.5 yrs | 13.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $104,492 | $37,164 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Mercer University or Brenau University?
Brenau University, at $18,924 a year after aid versus $23,847 — a gap of $4,923 a year, or $19,692 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Mercer University or Brenau University graduates earn more?
Mercer University graduates report a median $58,354 ten years after entry, $4,351 more than the $54,003 at Brenau 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, Mercer University or Brenau University?
Mercer University: its completers carry a median $24,199 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Brenau University, a difference of $2,801. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Mercer University, against 33% at Brenau 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.