Mercyhurst University crest

Mercyhurst University

Erie, United States Founded 1926

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: MU
Founded: 1926
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Motto: Carpe Diem
Colours: Blue, green and white
Mascot: Luke the Laker
View of the Mercyhurst University campus
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Founded in 1926, the Mercyhurst University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Erie (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.

Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Mercyhurst University (MU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Mercyhurst University (MU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 98-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

MU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Mercyhurst University's coordinates, postal address, and the contact channels admissions teams respond on. Campus tour bookings often have their own page distinct from general contact channels.

Address: 501 E 38Th Street
Postal Code: 16546
Phone: +1 (814) 824 2000
Fax: +1 (814) 824 2071
Social Media:

Academic Details

Mercyhurst University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Total Students: 2,191
Student Enrollment: 3
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Mercyhurst University's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.

Unit 3 items
  • Allied Health Division
  • Division of Liberal Arts and Science
  • Nursing Division

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Mercyhurst University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.

110 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 60 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Archeology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 60.

Master's Degree 15 programmes

Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Data Science
Liberal Arts
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Military Science

Showing 10 of 15.

Doctorate 1 programme

Doctorate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies

Associate's Degree 11 programmes

Associate's Degree in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Health Sciences
Associate's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Associate's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Associate's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Associate's Degree in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Associate's Degree in Hospitality Administration/Management
Hospitality Management
Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

Showing 10 of 11.

Certificate 4 programmes

Certificate in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Certificate in Culinary Arts and Related Services
Culinary Arts
Certificate in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Health Sciences
Certificate in Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Nursing

Postgraduate Certificate 19 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Postgraduate Certificate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Postgraduate Certificate in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
Military Science

Showing 10 of 19.

How to apply to Mercyhurst University

Practical steps to apply to Mercyhurst University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Mercyhurst University's 110 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at Mercyhurst University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Mercyhurst University processes applications through www.mercyhurst.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (814) 824 2000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mercyhurst University

Frequently asked questions about Mercyhurst University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

When was Mercyhurst University founded?

Mercyhurst University was established in 1926 (approximately 100 years ago).

Where can I find Mercyhurst University?

The institution is located in Erie, United States.

Is Mercyhurst University public or private?

Mercyhurst University is a private institution.

How many students does Mercyhurst University have?

The institution has a student body of 3,000-3,999.

Is Mercyhurst University affiliated with a religion?

Yes, Mercyhurst University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

How many faculties does Mercyhurst University have?

Mercyhurst University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Mercyhurst University accredited?

Mercyhurst University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

What is Mercyhurst University's official website?

You can find Mercyhurst University online at www.mercyhurst.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Mercyhurst University's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United States.

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Universities affiliated with Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Mercyhurst University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Chaplaincy provision and pastoral care at Christian-Catholic institutions varies in depth — some maintain full-time chaplains; others bring in visiting clergy. Worth comparing across the peers listed below.

Faculties at nearby universities

Beyond Mercyhurst University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Looking for Liberal Arts programmes beyond Mercyhurst University? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Compared with Mercyhurst University

Faculty mobility between Mercyhurst University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.

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