Mercer University (MU) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Established in 1871, Mercer University – Macon is one of Mercer university’s three main campuses. The university was founded in 1833 by early 19th century Baptists, but it is not formally affiliated with the Baptist denomination anymore. However, part of its mission is to affirm Judeo-Christian values while emphasizing research, leadership, and service. The university also offers interdisciplinary hands-on programs of study. The university is is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Mercer University’s historic Macon campus houses the School of Medicine, the Stetson School of Business and Economics, the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Engineering, the Tift College of Education and the Townsend School of Music. There are also programs for working adults that are offered through the College of Continuing and Professional Studies and the Walter F. George School of Law is located just one mile away. The Macon campus has a teach hospital, a university press, and a performing arts center. Online classes are offered during the summer. The best places to study at Mercer University are the Connell Student Center lounge, the Jack Tarver Library, and Jittery Joe’s Coffee in Mercer Village, which offers extended hours during exam periods.

The university offers small class sizes; the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and nearly 57 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students. Mercer University is consistently ranked among the country’s best schools by publications that include U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. The Princeton Review named Mercer as a “Best Value” school for its excellent academics and “relatively low costs of attendance,” and U.S. News & World Report listed Mercer on its list of “Great Schools, Great Prices.”

Mercer is the only college in Georgia to be distinguished by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its Community Engagement Classification. The University also was one of the few universities in the country to be recognized in for distinguished community service on the first President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 6th in Georgia and 257th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	91.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$52,488
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	30 / 1340
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	18 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	89% / 79%
Enrollment Total (all students)	8,740

Admissions

Students who wish to apply to Mercer University – Macon, must complete the online or print application form. There is a nonrefundable application fee to apply to this college. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript or GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report, and any AP or college credit transcripts (where applicable). Letters of recommendation are required. Certain programs also have additional requirements. Prospective students should contact the school for specific deadline dates.

Adult students, non-degree seeking students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements. Useful statistics and dates are listed on the college’s website. This university is more selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 62 percent.

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Financial Aid

Nearly 100% of the students at Mercer University – Macon receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. Most of the students who applied for financial aid were awarded need-based financial assistance. The average total need-based award package is about $31,000. Forms of aid that are available for students at Mercer University – Macon include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The college also offers a number of scholarships and grants for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. The deadline is April 1, but students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or submit additional documents.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. Students should also note that financial aid applications must be renewed each year. Mercer University – Macon also offers a deferred payment plan to help students pay any tuition charges that are not covered by financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2494th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Georgia.

Students

At Mercer University, there are more than 100 clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. Greek life is also a significant part of life at Mercer. There are 18 Greek organizations. Students can check the college’s website for a complete list of clubs and events.

Roughly seventy percent of Mercer students live on-campus in one of the university’s residence halls. The University Center is a multifunctional building that has a food court, a gym, a swimming pool, basketball courts, and an arena. Students can also visit the Academic Resource Center, which offers two computer labs and tutoring services. The best places to study at Mercer University are the Connell Student Center lounge, the Jack Tarver Library and its 24-hour study rooms, and Jittery Joe’s Coffee in Mercer Village, which offers extended hours during exam periods.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

A member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, Mercer University competes at the NCAA Division I level. Known as the Bears, the university’s varsity teams compete in six men’s, seven women’s, and one co-educational sport. The school’s colors are orange and black, and its mascot is Toby the Bear. Men’s sports include golf, basketball, baseball, cross-country, soccer, and tennis. Women’s teams include soccer, cross-country, basketball, tennis, golf, softball, and volleyball. Air-rifle is co-educational.

Alumni

J. Buford Boone, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper writer
John Couric, former United Press International editor and journalism professor; father of Katie Couric
Leila Denmark, renowned pediatrician who continued to practice medicine past her 100th birthday
Nancy Grace, host of the popular Nancy Grace legal analysis program on Headline News
Griffin B. Bell, Judge, United States Court of Appeals
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice
Charles “Jack” Pritchard, United States Ambassador and Special Envoy for Negotiations to North Korea
Richard E. Hawes, Rear Admiral of the U.S. Navy
John Birch, missionary and spy in China during the second world war

Bibliography

Ashwood, Colin. Mercer University: Off the Record. Pittsburgh: College Prowler, 2011.

“Mercer University.” Education. U.S. News & World Report, 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

Mercer University. Mercer University. 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

Mercer University