Financial Planning

An Important Investment

That Impacts The Rest of Your Life

We are committed to making academic excellence affordable. For years, Mercer has been consistently ranked among the top colleges and universities in the nation and has been named among the Best Value Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

>90%

Students receive scholarships
Nearly $22 million

in Mercer aid awarded to the incoming class

TYPES OF AID

Students enrolling at Mercer are eligible to receive primarily three types of aid: University-funded aid, federal aid, and state aid. In addition, we encourage students to apply for outside scholarships and aid. Take a look at the information below to learn more.

Mercer helps students build a strong foundation for success through merit-based, talent-based, and need-based financial aid awards.

Merit-based Aid
Upon acceptance to Mercer, students are evaluated based on their academic credentials for eligibility to receive a merit scholarship. These scholarships are renewable up to four years (eight semesters) at Mercer.

Talent-based Aid
Mercer offers Division I scholarships in all men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports. And Mercer’s School of Music offers competitive scholarships for incoming students who plan to major in music. Students must complete an audition. Qualified non-music majors may also audition for instrumental ensemble music scholarships. For more information, contact Associate Dean Dr. Stanley Roberts at 478.301.2748 or roberts_sl@mercer.edu.

Need-based Aid
Outstanding students deserve access to a nationally renowned education regardless of their economic circumstances, and Mercer offers generous need-based institutional aid to students who demonstrate financial need beyond the availability of federal and/or state resources.

Competitive Scholarship Opportunities
Mercer awards its most prestigious scholarships to the most highly qualified first-year applicants. These awards replace any initial merit scholarships offered. Competitive scholarship opportunities include Business Scholarship Challenge, Engineering Scholarship Challenge, Griffith Scholars Program, Heritage Scholars Day, Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars Program, Media Changemaker Scholars Competition, Presidential Scholars Weekend, Stamps Scholars Program, and Tift Scholars Program.

Students may be eligible for a variety of federal financial aid programs based on the information reported in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Work-Study Program
Through the Federal Work-Study Program, students are able to earn funds through part-time, on-campus employment that can be used toward their Mercer bill or college-related expenses.

Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education.

Federal Loans
Low-interest federal loans are available to help pay for the costs of a college education. Students and families may qualify for one or more federal loan program based on the degree of financial need and the availability of funds.

If you are a Georgia resident, you may qualify for state aid. For consideration, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS).

HOPE Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to Georgia residents who graduate from an eligible high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Zell Miller Scholarship
The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to Georgia residents who graduate from an eligible high school either as Valedictorian or Salutatorian or with a minimum 3.7 GPA and earn a minimum of 1200 SAT score or 26 ACT score.

Students may receive either Zell Miller or HOPE but not both. Visit gafutures.org for full eligibility requirements.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant
The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) is a non-need-based grant awarded to Georgia residents attending an eligible private college or university full time. The grant amount is determined by the state legislature each year.

Scholarship for Engineering Education
The Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) is a service-cancelable loan awarded to eligible Georgia residents pursuing an undergraduate engineering degree at Mercer University. SEE provides $3,500.00 per academic year, up to a maximum of $17,500.00. Recipients agree to work in an engineering-related field in Georgia after graduation for a reduction in balance of $3,500.00 for each year worked. Otherwise, the award is converted to a student loan. Visit gafutures.org for full eligibility requirements.

You may wish to apply for additional scholarships and grants available through external organizations. Any outside funds that you are awarded may be applied toward your Mercer charges as determined by any award stipulations. Mercer maintains a list of many outside scholarships and grants, and additional opportunities or resources may be available online or through your local community, religious affiliation, or other special interest.

Another option for students is a private loan. Mercer does not recommend private lenders, but more information and a list of known lenders is available through our Office of Student Financial Planning.

Families who do not qualify to have all expenses covered by financial aid may choose to apply for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan. This option allows the parent of a dependent student to borrow up to the Cost of Attendance for Mercer (including tuition, fees, room, board, etc.) minus any other financial assistance the student receives. Learn More

For a comprehensive list of steps in the financial aid process, visit the Office of Student Financial Planning website.

TUITION AND COSTS

2020-2021 Estimated Undergraduate Costs

Tuition, fees, housing, and meals are direct charges that you will pay directly to Mercer. These charges will appear on your Mercer bill each semester.

You may also want to consider indirect costs. These will not appear on your bill from Mercer but are typical costs associated with attending college.

Direct Charges	Total for Year
Tuition & Fees	$38,746.00
On-Campus Housing & Unlimited Meal Plan	$13,070.00
Total Direct Charges	$51,816.00

Indirect Costs	Estimates for the Year
Books & Supplies	$1,200.00
Transportation/Travel	$1,200.00
Personal Expenses	$1,578.00

Many students get as much as half the cost of attendance covered. Estimate your cost of attendance with Mercer’s Net Price Calculator.

Complete Your FAFSA

The most important step in a student’s journey to receive financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available beginning October 1 of a student’s senior year.

Army ROTC

Mercer offers an ROTC program for students aspiring to serve in the U.S. Army. The program offers full scholarships and additional financial aid benefits.

Learn More

Veterans Benefits

Mercer University is a federally designated "Principles of Excellence" educational institution as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Extensive educational benefits are available to veterans and their dependents attending Mercer University.