University Admissions - Mercer University

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MERCER UNIVERSITY’S FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION PLEDGE
Frequently Asked Questions

What's the big deal? The Pledge promises nothing more than what I expect of any college.

We agree, it sounds like common sense. But it is a big deal when you look at the graduation rates of colleges and universities nationwide. According to Measuring Up 2008, a report by The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, "Six years is the time frame most often used to measure graduation rates. But we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're talking about, "four-year" institutions. Since that's the norm, why tack on two extra years? In fact, most bachelor's degree granting institutions are "four-year" colleges in name only. The large majority of students don't graduate "on time" by that measure. A solid majority of beginning, degree-seeking four-year students—63%—earn a bachelor's within six years. Only 37% earn their bachelor's in four years.

How does The Pledge address the costs of attending Mercer? There seem to be so many less expensive alternatives.

People who do their homework on what it costs to go to college know Mercer is a great deal!The Princeton Review has designated Mercer as a "Best Value" for our excellent academics and "relatively low costs of attendance," while U.S. News & World Report includes Mercer on its list of "Great Schools, Great Prices." How does this all translate to Mercer students? The entering class of 2008 averaged $23,638 in financial aid from all sources (scholarships, state/federal aid, etc.) excluding loans. Admission to Mercer University is very competitive and for those students who are admitted, we commit significant financial aid resources (institutional, state/federal, etc.) to maintain an exceptionally talented student body. By committing to the Mercer Pledge, our students will graduate on time and get into the job market or go on to graduate or professional school earlier than many of their peers who chose  schools that on the front end appear less expensive. The Pledge should also limit the amount of student loans needed to graduate.

As a Mercer student, how will I know I am on track to graduate in four years and thereby uphold my part of the Pledge?

We pride ourselves on the relationships that students develop with their advisors. Advisors are the best source for answers to questions regarding degree progression. In addition, each May, at the end of the spring term grading period, an audit will be done of the courses taken and credits earned during that academic year. Students will receive an evaluation soon after the audit is completed that will detail their progression to their degree. The audit will either confirm Pledge compliance, or -- if the student deviated from the Pledge stipulations -- what might be done over the summer to remain on track with the Pledge. Keep in mind, a student who becomes Pledge ineligible may still be able to graduate in a timely manner. It's just that Mercer will not guarantee it.