Who qualifies for Georgia HOPE/Zell/GTEG at Mercer?

Georgia residents attending Mercer full-time who meet each program’s GPA and eligibility rules.

How much do Georgia state programs pay at private colleges?

Typical figures shown on this page: HOPE Scholarship $2,976 per year, Zell Miller Scholarship $5,616 per year, and Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) $900 per year.

Do I need to apply for Georgia aid or is it automatic?

Submit the FAFSA or GSFAPP; awards are then applied automatically if you meet the requirements.

Do I need a separate application for Mercer’s automatic merit?

No. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission to the Macon residential program.

Does Mercer superscore the ACT or SAT?

Yes. Mercer superscores both ACT and SAT by combining your best section scores across test dates for admission and merit review.

Can automatic merit stack with other aid?

Yes, generally with state aid and some need-based aid. Premier full-tuition or full-cost awards typically replace base merit rather than stack beyond the cost of attendance.

Are flagship scholarships separate from automatic merit?

Yes. Flagship awards are competitive, often by invitation with interviews or selection events, and have limited slots.

What deadlines help with flagship scholarship consideration?

Apply early (for example, by November 1 for admission/materials). Some region-specific awards list December 1 application windows.

Can hidden-gem programs stack with Mercer merit?

Most can, including ROTC and study abroad funding, but stacking is capped at the total cost of attendance.

Are hidden-gem awards automatic?

No. ROTC, research, and study abroad funds require separate applications through their respective offices or portals.

Do Mercer students access national study abroad awards?

Yes. Many students pursue awards like the Gilman Scholarship and can use state grants toward eligible summer programs.

Does the Honors curriculum add time to a degree?

No. It is designed to fit within a standard four-year plan, including seminars and a capstone.

Mercer University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Mercer is one of Georgia’s top private universities, and its scholarships work a little differently than at public schools. Families can combine Mercer’s generous merit offers with state programs like HOPE, Zell Miller, and the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant—making the real price much lower than the sticker. This guide walks first-gen parents step-by-step through Mercer’s costs, aid, and honors perks so you know what’s actually possible.For more information, check out our Georgia State Aid Guide

💰 Cost of Attendance at Mercer University

Category	On-Campus	At Home (with Parent)
Tuition & Fees	$43,570	$43,570
Housing & Meals	$15,345	—
Books & Supplies	$1,200	$1,200
Transportation	$1,206	$1,206
Personal Expenses	$1,710	$1,710
Total (before aid)	$61,831	$47,686

Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $24,197 per year after scholarships and grants (no loans), according to the latest federal data (2022–2023).

Georgia Aid Programs: Georgia residents at Mercer can also qualify for state aid that lowers costs:
• HOPE Scholarship – $2,976/year at private colleges
• Zell Miller Scholarship – $5,616/year at private colleges
• Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) – $2,000/year

Example: A GA resident with HOPE + GTEG could see their bill drop from $61,831 to about $56,855 before Mercer scholarships or Pell Grants.

FAQ:
Who qualifies? Georgia residents attending Mercer full-time.
How much? $2,000–$5,600 per year depending on program and GPA.
Apply or automatic? Submit FAFSA or GSFAPP; awards are then automatic if you meet GPA rules.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
University Merit Scholarship	$23,000–$25,000/yr	Awarded automatically with admission to the Macon residential program; based on GPA, curriculum rigor, and test scores if submitted.	No	Yes (maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress)	~3.8+ GPA and/or ACT 29+/SAT 1340+*
	$20,000–$22,000/yr				~3.5–3.7 GPA and/or ACT 26–28 / SAT 1230–1330*
	$18,000–$19,000/yr				~3.3–3.4 GPA and/or ACT 23–25 / SAT 1140–1220*

Note: Mercer is a Stamps Scholarship partner, offering competitive full cost of attendance awards through its Stamps Scholars Program. See Competitive Scholarships below for details.

*Estimates only. Mercer does not publish fixed GPA/test cutoffs. Ranges are inferred from Mercer’s stated award levels, peer patterns, and past student data. Actual awards vary year to year.

FAQ

Do I need a separate application?
No — students are automatically considered for the University Merit Scholarship when they apply for admission.

Does Mercer superscore ACT or SAT?
Yes. Mercer will superscore both the ACT and SAT, meaning they combine your best section scores across test dates when reviewing for admission and merit aid.

Can I stack automatic merit with other awards?
Automatic merit can be combined with state aid (HOPE/Zell/GTEG) and some need-based aid. However, if you later earn a competitive full-tuition or full-ride award, that will replace your automatic merit.

Are test scores required?
No. Mercer is test-optional. Submitting strong scores may increase your award, but you can still earn automatic merit with GPA and rigor alone.

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive university-level awards)

These are Mercer’s competitive, high-value awards (interviews/selection events, limited slots). They’re separate from automatic merit and not departmental or Honors-only funds.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Why Competitive	Eligibility	Separate App?	Who Actually Wins?
Stamps Scholars Program	Full tuition & fees, housing & meals, tech package; up to ~$16,000 in enrichment funds across 4 years	Nationally prestigious; invitation, portfolio & interview; very limited cohort	Top first-year applicants (any major); leadership, impact, service	Yes — invitation & selection process	National-caliber academics + leadership; finalists typically shine in interviews and have notable service/innovation
Presidential Scholars Weekend (PSW)	Competitive increases to initial merit, up to full tuition (limited number)	By invitation; faculty/staff interviews and assessments	Admitted first-year students invited by Mercer	Yes — attend PSW per invitation	High GPA/rigor, strong activities/service, excellent interview performance
Heritage Scholars Weekend	Competitive increases to initial merit, up to full tuition (limited number)	By invitation; interview & academic experiences	Admitted first-year students invited by Mercer	Yes — event registration required	Strong academics with demonstrated engagement and fit; standout interviews
Bessie Willingham Tift Scholarship	Full tuition + housing & meals (renewable; GPA maintenance)	Invitation + interview during PSW	Georgia residents; first-year	Yes — via PSW process	Top GA applicants with leadership and service; strong interviews
Five Star Scholarship	Full tuition & fees (renewable)	Limited awards; separate competitive review	Seniors from specified Central GA counties	Yes — separate application	Local scholars with solid academics, service, and Mercer fit
Macon Impact Scholarship	Full tuition + housing & meals (renewable)	Targeted program; competitive screening	Bibb County Public Schools, grades 9–12; demonstrated financial need	Yes — separate application	Local, need-aware selection; steady academics + commitment to community
Tuition Exchange Scholars	Full tuition & fees (per TE program rules)	National Tuition Exchange program; limited slots	Dependents of eligible employees at TE partner schools	Yes — Tuition Exchange process	Eligible dependents with strong academics; subject to TE selection

Also note: Mercer is a Stamps Scholarship partner (flagship competitive award). Details above.

FAQ (competitive/flagship)

Are these separate from automatic merit?
Yes. These are competitive awards with extra steps (invitation weekends, interviews, separate applications). Premier full-tuition awards typically replace base merit rather than stack on top.

Do test scores matter and does Mercer superscore?
Yes—scores can help in competitive reviews, and Mercer superscores ACT/SAT (they combine best section scores across dates).

Any key deadlines?
Strongly target early deadlines (e.g., Nov 1 admission/materials) to be considered for invitations to PSW/Heritage and Stamps review. Some region-specific awards list Dec 1 application windows.

Can these stack with state or federal aid?
Typically yes, up to the total Cost of Attendance. However, premier awards (full tuition/full COA) often replace base institutional merit.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These programs don’t always make the big admissions brochures, but they can make a serious dent in costs if your student qualifies.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition + book allowance + monthly stipend; Mercer may cover housing/meals	Students who contract with Army ROTC; must meet GPA, medical, and physical standards	Yes — GoArmy + Mercer ROTC office	Yes — maintain contract and GPA	Cadets who excel academically, stay fit, and commit early
Air Force ROTC (crosstown)	Type 1: full tuition; Type 2: up to $18,000/yr; Type 7: in-state equivalent	Students accepted into AFROTC through the partner detachment; GPA, fitness, and test requirements apply	Yes — AFROTC application portal	Yes — maintain contract requirements	High-achieving STEM or leadership-focused cadets; competitive national pool
Mercer Undergraduate Research Scholars (MURS)	$3,500 summer stipend + optional housing (10 weeks)	Any undergraduate who secures a faculty mentor and submits a research proposal	Yes — MURS application	No — one summer; students may reapply	Students serious about research who can demonstrate a viable project and faculty support
Study Abroad Scholarships (incl. Gilman)	Gilman up to $8,000; Mercer summer programs often cost under $4,000	Pell Grant eligibility for Gilman; all Mercer students for other programs	Yes — Office of Global Engagement + external portals	Varies by program	Students with demonstrated financial need or those seeking affordable Mercer On Mission and study abroad options
Middle Georgia Innovation Scholarship	$2,000/yr	Georgia residents from specified counties majoring in STEM, CS, or Cybersecurity	Yes — apply by Dec 1	Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA	Local students in eligible majors who maintain solid academics
REACH Georgia Scholar Add-On	$5,000 add-on to the state’s $2,500 REACH award	Students already designated as REACH Scholars in Georgia	Yes — apply by Dec 1	Yes — per REACH requirements	GA students already in REACH; Mercer enhances the state award
Ministerial Aid	Covers a significant portion of tuition	Students pursuing a full-time Christian vocation after graduation; must take specific coursework	Yes — annual application	Yes — reapply annually	Students committed to ministry studies who maintain program requirements
Opportunity Scholars Program	Additional grant aid (amount varies by need)	Pell-eligible first- and second-year students with high unmet financial need	Yes — FAFSA required	Yes — need reviewed annually	Low-income students early in their Mercer careers who qualify for Pell and have unmet need

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA cutoffs are based on Mercer’s published ranges where available; need-based and program-specific funds vary depending on state appropriations and student circumstances. Families should confirm with Mercer’s financial planning office each year.

Music Scholarships: Auditions available for both majors and non-majors; awards vary by talent and program budget.
Engineering Scholarships: Includes FIRST Robotics and the Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) for GA residents in the BSE program; amounts vary.
Mercer Firsts: Not a direct scholarship, but provides structured support and mentoring for first-generation students.
General Need-Based Grants: Mercer uses FAFSA results to award institutional and federal grants beyond state programs.

FAQ

Can these hidden gems stack with Mercer merit?
Most can — especially state-based awards, ROTC, and study abroad funding. Full-tuition ROTC or outside awards usually cap stacking at the cost of attendance.

Are these automatic?
No. Each program has its own application process — ROTC through military portals, research through Mercer’s summer program, and study abroad through the Office of Global Engagement.

Do Mercer students have access to national study abroad awards?
Yes. Many Mercerians win Gilman Scholarships and use HOPE/Zell Miller toward summer programs.

What about QuestBridge?
Mercer does not participate in the QuestBridge National College Match. Applications go directly through Mercer’s own process.

⭐ College Specialty

Mercer may be a mid-sized private school in Georgia, but it punches above its weight in research and specialized programs. From nationally recognized undergraduate research opportunities to professional pipelines in health and engineering, Mercer has carved out a reputation for preparing students to lead and serve.

Best-Known Program: Mercer is especially known for its School of Pharmacy, one of the oldest and most respected in the Southeast, consistently ranked among the top pharmacy schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2023).

Undergraduate Research: Mercer is classified as an R2: High Research Activity University and has produced a record number of Goldwater Scholars, leading the state in 2024–25.
Engineering: The School of Engineering is highly regarded for biomedical and electrical/computer engineering, with multiple Goldwater Scholars emerging from these programs.
Law: Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law is nationally ranked for its Legal Writing program, placing in the top 25 by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Service Learning: The Mercer On Mission program is nationally recognized as a model for combining study abroad with service and applied research, offering affordable global experiences.

🎖️ Honors College

Mercer’s University Honors Program is built for students who want more than just small classes. It’s designed for curious, motivated students who thrive with close faculty mentoring, hands-on research, and the chance to dig deep into ideas that cross traditional majors. Admission is by application, and the program is competitive.

What a Typical Mercer Honors Student Looks Like:
• High school GPA near the top of their class (often 3.8+)
• Strong college-prep or AP/IB curriculum
• Leadership in service, clubs, or community
• A clear curiosity for research or interdisciplinary learning

Perks That Matter:
• Priority course registration
• Access to small, discussion-based Honors seminars
• Faculty mentorship and guidance on undergraduate research
• Support for study abroad and service-learning through Mercer On Mission
• Opportunities to complete an Honors thesis or capstone

FAQ

Is admission automatic if I’m accepted to Mercer?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors Program application and be selected by the Honors Council.

Does Honors add extra time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to fit within a four-year plan, though it includes unique seminars and a capstone project.

Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
No automatic “Honors-only” scholarships are listed. However, Honors students are highly competitive for Mercer’s research stipends, national fellowships, and study abroad funding.

What deadlines should I know?
The Honors Program application typically aligns with Mercer’s Early Action deadlines. Students should apply early in the fall of senior year for strongest consideration.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Mercer can look pricey at first glance, but once you layer in automatic merit, flagship competitive awards, and Georgia’s state grants, the real bill is far more manageable. For families—especially first-gen parents—the key is applying early, paying attention to deadlines, and understanding how state aid like HOPE, Zell Miller, and GTEG stack with Mercer’s offers. If your student is motivated, there are clear paths here to cut costs dramatically while still getting a nationally recognized education.

✅ Last updated: September 27, 2025