Mercyhurst vs Saint Ambrose
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Mercyhurst UniversityErie, PACatholic collegeBFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport, IACatholic college
At a glance
- Both are Mercy colleges.
- Mercyhurst lists Mass every weekday; Saint Ambrose lists Mass 5 times a week.
- Mercyhurst lists confession once a week; Saint Ambrose, 2 times a week.
- For families earning $48,001 to $75,000, Mercyhurst has the lower price after aid: $17,197 a year, against $22,408 at Saint Ambrose.
Catholic life
Faith grade
CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
CCompass Score: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Sacramental life
CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Theology and core curriculum
FTheology and core curriculum: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Campus culture and residence life
BCampus culture and residence life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ACampus culture and residence life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Service and Catholic social teaching
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
Every weekday
5 times a week
Confession times
Once a week
2 times a week
Eucharistic adoration
Once a week
Once a week
Campus ministry
3 listed
2 listed
Religious order or tradition
Mercy
Mercy
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Erie, PA
Davenport, IA
Setting
City
City
Students
2,668
2,703
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
81%
77%
Average SAT
1093
ACT middle 50%
20–25
Graduation rate
60%
61%
First-year retention
80%
76%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$19,444
$24,691
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$22,626
$22,037
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$22,429
$21,729
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$17,197
$22,408
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$21,665
$24,776
Net price, over $110,000 income
$16,748
$27,807
Median debt
$25,305
$25,000
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$47,452
$59,531
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.