UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Your future awaits.

Welcome! For nearly a century, Mercyhurst has been home to writers, scientists, performers, researchers and leaders like you, individuals ready to channel passion and curiosity into something greater. A Mercyhurst education is about preparing for a rewarding career and a fulfilling life—more than that, though, it’s about building grit and determination, taking on new challenges, engaging with the world and reaching for new ground. This is an exciting time and we’re eager share our enthusiasm for Mercyhurst and guide you on this journey. Let’s get started!

For information on admissions to our North East campus, visit our North East admissions webpage.

COVID-19 Update: Greater Flexibility When Applying

The evolving situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic poses a host of challenges to our communities and our families. At Mercyhurst, we recognize the unprecedented difficulties of this moment and the need for flexibility in our application procedures. As high schools across the country close or transition to remote learning, and standardized testing sites are directed to close, you might have difficulty completing certain application requirements. To facilitate your Mercyhurst application, and help you along in the admissions process, we are implementing a few adjustments in our procedures:

• You can now complete your high school transcript requirement by taking a photo or image of your high school grades on your school’s online grading platform or student information system, and uploading it using our Transcript Upload tool.
• Although students previously could choose test-optional consideration, in light of the cancellation of upcoming test dates, we are waiving the standardized test (ACT/SAT) component on all undergraduate applications.
• The letter of recommendation component of the application is also waived. 

In addition, although National College Decision Day—the date by which most seniors formally make their college choice—has historically been May 1, Mercyhurst is joining many other colleges and universities in moving Decision Day to June 1. If you need additional time to make your decision, we will be happy to accommodate you. 

Virtual Campus Visits

Although current public health challenges prevent us from hosting you for an in-person campus visit, you can still explore Mercyhurst and discover the Laker Life without leaving home! Our Virtual Campus Tour provides prospective students and families the opportunity to experience campus from the safety and comfort of their home. Our virtual campus visits and events give you the chance to experience the history, academic culture, hospitality, and spirit of community that animate life at Mercyhurst. During your virtual visit, you’ll take a video tour of our campus (known as one of the most beautiful in the region!) and meet with your admissions counselor and a faculty member—all while discovering why Hurst is Home. Coffee and Conversation discussions allow prospective students to chat with current students, organizations, and offices in a casual setting, providing them with valuable information on a Mercyhurst education. Mercyhurst on the Map events allow prospective students to chat with current students from their geographic region. Faculty Friday events allow prospective students to chat with current faculty from a variety of departments.

Next Steps

Applying to Mercyhurst

Choosing a college or university is a big decision, one that requires careful consideration of a number of factors. Through our application process, we want to get an idea of who you are as an individual—not reduce you to a number or transcript. Explore our application requirements and admissions criteria.

You can complete our online application for free in about 15 minutes if your writing sample is prepared! We also accept the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Mercyhurst accepts students on a rolling basis, which means the sooner you apply, the sooner we can get you your admissions decision.

We do not require SAT or ACT scores, though students who believe their scores represent a positive component of their admissions portfolio are invited to submit them. However, student-athletes must still submit SAT or ACT scores in accordance with NCAA policy for evaluating eligibility.

Affordability

We commit considerable institutional resources to minimizing college expenses for families, making a Mercyhurst education among the most accessible and affordable in the region. This goal is supported by four-year financial aid awards, with most internal scholarships/grants being automatically renewed as long as satisfactory academic progress is made. When you look beyond the “sticker price” and consider the financial aid opportunities, college can be extremely affordable! Learn more about Mercyhurst's financial aid opportunities.

In order to qualify for aid, be sure to include Mercyhurst on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using school code 003297. Our recommended filing date for FAFSA is no later than March 15 of the year you plan to enroll. Learn more about applying for financial aid with FAFSA.