Mercer University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1250
- Average GPA: 4.0
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is likely, but merit will be limited. This can still work if you qualify for need-based aid—but don’t expect Mercer to be a low-cost option on merit alone.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for strong automatic merit ($18K–$25K/year). Apply early (Nov 1 ideally) and submit solid scores—this is where Mercer becomes meaningfully more affordable.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll be in the running for top scholarships like the Presidential (full tuition) or Stamps (full ride), but these are invite-only and highly competitive. Treat them as upside, not a guarantee.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Mercer University at a Glance
- Full ride exists—but it’s rare: The Stamps Scholarship covers full cost of attendance, but it’s extremely competitive and invitation-based. Most students receive standard merit awards instead.
- Test scores matter here: Mercer is not test-optional, so SAT/ACT scores play a direct role in both admission and scholarship levels.
- Strong merit—but still a gap: Even $18K–$25K/year typically leaves a meaningful remaining cost at a private university, so families should plan to stack aid or compare offers carefully.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Mercer University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1250.
Average net price? About $22,350/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Residential undergraduate scholarships overview: https://undergrad.mercer.edu/mercer-scholarships/
Middle Georgia Innovation Scholarship listing: https://www.collegedata.com/scholarship-finder/307654
Mercer financial aid types overview: https://financialaid.mercer.edu/types-of-financial-aid/
Mercer Undergraduate Research Scholar Training Initiative site: https://murs.mercer.edu
Mercer need-based scholarships page: https://financialaid.mercer.edu/types-of-financial-aid/residential-undergraduate/need-based-scholarships/
REACH Georgia scholarship site: https://www.reachga.org/scholarship/
Stamps Scholars Program page: https://undergrad.mercer.edu/stamps/
Mercer Global Engagement scholarships page: https://globalengagement.mercer.edu/abroad/scholarships
Tuition Exchange program site: https://tuitionexchange.org
Presidential Scholars Weekend page: https://undergrad.mercer.edu/psw/
Heritage Scholars Weekend page: https://undergrad.mercer.edu/hsw/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Mercer University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $43,270 | $43,270 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $15,345 | $15,345 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $58,615 | $58,615 |
Average Federal Net Price: $22,350 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🎓 Georgia Aid Programs
Georgia residents attending Mercer University can qualify for several state-sponsored scholarships and grants that stack with Mercer’s own merit aid. These awards are applied directly to tuition and lower the overall cost before federal or institutional aid is considered.
- HOPE Scholarship: $2,976 per year at private colleges (minimum 3.0 GPA in high school and college).
- Zell Miller Scholarship: $5,616 per year at private colleges (minimum 3.7 GPA in high school + 1200 SAT / 26 ACT).
- Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG): $2,000 per year for full-time Georgia residents enrolled at private institutions like Mercer.
Example: A Georgia resident receiving the Zell Miller ($5,616) and GTEG ($2,000) awards could reduce Mercer’s billed tuition by $7,616 per year—before applying Mercer merit scholarships or Pell Grants.
Application & Renewal:
Students must complete the GSFAPP or FAFSA each year to confirm eligibility. Awards are automatically applied once GPA and residency are verified by the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
All Georgia state scholarships and grants can be combined (“stacked”) with Mercer’s institutional merit awards and need-based aid, up to the total cost of attendance.
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/hope-zell-miller-overview/
https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/award-amounts/
https://financialaid.mercer.edu/types-of-financial-aid/state/
Mercer University Office of Financial Planning — https://financialaid.mercer.edu/cost-of-attendance/residential-undergraduate/
Mercer University Office of Financial Planning — https://financialaid.mercer.edu/types-of-financial-aid/state/
Mercer University Office of Undergraduate Admissions — https://undergrad.mercer.edu/first-year-admissions/
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?140447-Mercer-University=
DataUSA Education Profile — https://datausa.io/profile/university/mercer-university
Georgia Student Finance Commission — https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-scholarships/hope-zell-miller-overview/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 SAP, 2.0+ GPA, full-time enrollment) | ~3.8+ GPA and/or ACT 29+/SAT 1340+ (estimates) | Nov 1 (EA I), Dec 1 (EA II), Feb 1 (RD) |
| University Merit Scholarship | $20,000–$22,000/yr | “” | No | Yes (maintain SAP, 2.0+ GPA, full-time enrollment) | ~3.5–3.7 GPA and/or ACT 26–28/SAT 1230–1330 (estimates) | Nov 1 (EA I), Dec 1 (EA II), Feb 1 (RD) |
| University Merit Scholarship | $18,000–$19,000/yr | “” | No | Yes (maintain SAP, 2.0+ GPA, full-time enrollment) | ~3.3–3.4 GPA and/or ACT 23–25/SAT 1140–1220 (estimates) | Nov 1 (EA I), Dec 1 (EA II), Feb 1 (RD) |
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.
undergrad.mercer.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
financialaid.mercer.edu/scholarships/merit-scholarships.cfm
catalog.mercer.edu/undergraduate-admissions/tuition-fees-scholarships/
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 shine in interviews/service | Nov 1 (admission/application materials) |
| Presidential Scholars Weekend (PSW) | Increases to initial merit, up to full tuition | By invitation; interviews & assessments | Admitted first-years by invitation | Yes — must attend PSW | High GPA/rigor, strong activities/service, persuasive in interviews | Feb (event), invitation after Dec 1 |
| Heritage Scholars Weekend | Increases to initial merit, up to full tuition | By invitation; interview & academic experiences | Admitted first-years by invitation | Yes — event registration required | Strong academics/engagement; standout interviews | Feb (event), must register by Feb 19 |
| Bessie Willingham Tift Scholarship | Full tuition + housing & meals (renewable, GPA maintenance) | Invitation & interview during PSW | Georgia residents, first-year | Yes — via PSW | Top GA applicants, strong interviews/service | Feb (finalist interviews) |
| Five Star Scholarship | Full tuition & fees (renewable) | Limited awards; separate review | Seniors from specified Central GA counties | Yes — separate application | Local scholars with academics, service, Mercer fit | Feb 1 |
| Macon Impact Scholarship | Full tuition + housing & meals (renewable) | Targeted program; competitive screening | Bibb County (public) grades 9–12; financial need | Yes — separate application | Need-aware selection; solid academics, community | Feb 1 |
| Tuition Exchange Scholars | Full tuition & fees (per TE program rules) | National TE program; limited slots | Dependents of TE partner school employees | Yes — TE process | Eligible dependents with strong academics | Feb 1 |
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 Feb 1 applications.
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.
undergrad.mercer.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/stamps-scholars
undergrad.mercer.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
financialaid.mercer.edu/scholarships/
den.mercer.edu/tag/stamps-scholars/
undergrad.mercer.edu/psw/
undergrad.mercer.edu/hsw/
alumni.mercer.edu/tift-scholars/
globalengagement.mercer.edu/worldstrides/
tuitionexchange.org
🎖️ 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.
• 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
• 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.
honors.mercer.edu/
undergrad.mercer.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
catalog.mercer.edu/undergraduate-admissions/tuition-fees-scholarships/
globalengagement.mercer.edu/abroad/scholarships/
⭐ 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.
- 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.
📎 Official Links
- Mercer University — Homepage
- University Honors Program
- Scholarships & Aid (Undergraduate)
- Student Financial Planning (Financial Aid)