Mercer University

What Mercer University does

Mercer University is a private, coeducational research university founded in 1833 by Georgia Baptists and headquartered in Macon, Georgia, with operating campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus plus regional academic centers in Henry County and Douglas County. The university is organized across 12 schools and colleges offering 180+ academic programs spanning traditional undergraduate, graduate, professional, online, and continuing education formats, enrolling 8,945 students from 41 countries including more than 4,100 graduate and professional students. Mercer holds R2 Carnegie classification (Doctoral University with High Research Activity), Phi Beta Kappa membership, AACSB and ABA accreditations for its business and law schools respectively, and $35M in annual NSF research funding.

The university's core technology footprint consists of standard higher-education infrastructure (Canvas LMS, Handshake career platform, cloud-based access control systems) with one notable proprietary applied-research output: cost-effective 3D-printed emergency medical simulators validated by local hospitals. Mercer Engineering Research Center provides contract research services to commercial and government clients. Research emphasis integrates undergraduate participation from the first year, with signature programs including Mercer On Mission (global service-learning), BEAR Day, and the Atlanta Research Conference.

Mercer generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees across 180+ programs, private donations and grants (notably a $1M Lilly Endowment grant and $10M Sheridan Foundation commitment), and auxiliary services including housing, dining, and mobile credentials. Distribution operates through multiple channels: direct admissions, Mercer Next transfer pathways with 20+ Georgia technical colleges, Enterprise Learning Partnership employer program, EdAssist national tuition network, Military Alliance program (including Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, and Montgomery GI Bill), and online/distance learning enrollment available nationwide. Over 90% of students receive financial aid, with over $24M in Mercer-funded aid awarded to the 2023 incoming first-year class. The university manages an endowment that surpassed $400M in 2020.

Name

Mercer University

Legal name

Mercer University

Website

https://mercer.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1833

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Mercer University is a private R2 doctoral research university founded in 1833, operating four campuses across Georgia and serving 8,945 students through 12 schools and colleges offering 180+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs via residential, online, and transfer pathway channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Private university degrees
• Graduate professional programs
• Online distance learning
• Adult degree completion

Headquarters

HQ city

Macon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Mercer University generates primary revenue from student tuition and fees across its 12 schools and colleges. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with varying tuition rates. Financial aid is provided through scholarships and grants including Mercer-funded aid exceeding $24M for the 2023 incoming class.
2. Private Donations and Grants: The university receives private giving from alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends supporting its mission. Current capital campaign (Aspire Capital Campaign) funds student support, faculty positions, and facilities. Notable grants include $1M from Lilly Endowment and $25,000 from Gulfstream Aerospace for engineering programs.
3. Auxiliary Services: Auxiliary Services generates revenue through housing, dining, and campus services including mobile credentials and access control systems. The department received the Illumia Distinction Award for Innovation Excellence for cloud-based access control implementation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Mercer University is a private research university delivering 180+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 12 schools and colleges, including law, medicine, pharmacy, business, engineering, nursing, and theology. Programs are delivered through residential campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus, Georgia, supplemented by 30+ fully online degree programs and flexible evening options for working adults. The university also operates global service-learning through Mercer On Mission, undergraduate research programs, and specialty centers such as the Mercer Innovation Center and Mercer Engineering Research Center.

Product overview

Mercer University is a comprehensive private research university offering a broad portfolio of academic products and services through 12 schools and colleges. The core academic programs portfolio includes 180+ degree programs spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, delivered through residential, online, and hybrid formats. Supporting products include Mercer On Mission (global service-learning), the Undergraduate Research Program, and the Mercer Innovation Center. Adult education offerings include Bachelor's Degrees for Working Adults and the Mercer Next transfer pathway. The university provides specialized centers and institutes including Health Sciences Center, Mercer Engineering Research Center, and comprehensive library services. Military support is offered through the Military Alliance Program. The institution operates campuses in Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus, Georgia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mercer On Mission: Service-learning and study abroad program combining academic credit with humanitarian service projects globally
• Mercer Innovation Center
• Mercer Engineering Research Center

Products and services

• Mercer University Academic Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% of students receive financial aid
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Gulfstream AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025Gulfstream Aerospace awarded Mercer University a $25,000 grant on December 10, 2025 to support the School of Engineering as a strategic investment in long-term capacity building. The funding enhances experiential learning programs including senior design projects, laboratory upgrades, and collaborative research initiatives focused on innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials. The partnership prepares graduates for aerospace careers while contributing to Georgia's technology and manufacturing sectors. Gulfstream's senior vice president of innovation, engineering and flight, Dr. Vicki Britt, was later appointed dean of Mercer's School of Engineering.
• Robins Air Force BasecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership announced in 2019 to bring an innovative software development center to downtown Macon. The center is housed in the ground floor of The Lofts at Capricorn. Represents collaboration between Mercer and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex.
• Memorial University Medical Center (Savannah)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Clinical partner for Mercer School of Medicine's four-year medical program in Savannah since 1996. Hosted inaugural class in 2008 and continues as site for medical education and research.
• The Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital (Columbus)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership to establish Columbus campus for School of Medicine announced in 2012. Columbus is one of three School of Medicine campuses (along with Macon and Savannah) serving rural Georgia.
• Georgia Research AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Mercer admitted as member in 2014. Alliance mission is to expand research and commercialization capacity in Georgia's universities to launch new companies, create high-value jobs and transform lives.
• Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) / Georgia Independent College Association (GICA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSystem-wide partnership agreement with TCSG through GICA for Mercer Next pathway programs enabling students from 20+ technical colleges across Georgia to transfer credits toward bachelor's degrees at Mercer.
• Albany Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Albany Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Athens Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Athens Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Atlanta Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Atlanta Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Central Georgia Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Central Georgia Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Chattahoochee Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Chattahoochee Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Coastal Pines Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Coastal Pines Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Columbus Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Columbus Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Georgia Northwestern Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Georgia Piedmont Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Gordon State CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Gordon State College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Gwinnett Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Gwinnett Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Lanier Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Lanier Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• North Georgia Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at North Georgia Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Oconee Fall Line Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Ogeechee Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Ogeechee Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Savannah Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Savannah Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Southeastern Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Southeastern Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Southern Crescent Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Southern Crescent Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Southern Regional Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Southern Regional Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• South Georgia Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at South Georgia Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• West Georgia Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at West Georgia Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• Augusta Technical CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMercer Next partnership providing transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees at Augusta Technical College to continue education at Mercer University.
• EdAssistcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational tuition assistance network partnership connecting Mercer with education providers to help employees of in-network organizations achieve educational advancement goals. Supports the Enterprise Learning Partnership Program.
• Enterprise Learning PartnershipcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployer partnership program providing affordable education opportunities for employees of partner organizations to enroll in employer-approved programs of study at Mercer University.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Samford University: Private Baptist-affiliated university in Birmingham, Alabama offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs including law, pharmacy, nursing, and divinity. Highly comparable to Mercer in religious heritage, size, programmatic mix, and regional focus.
• Rollins College: Private liberal arts and professional college in Winter Park, Florida with undergraduate and graduate programs including a part-time MBA. Comparable to Mercer in mid-size Southeastern private institution scale and professional program offerings, although without Mercer's medical/pharmacy depth.
• University of Richmond: Private university in Richmond, Virginia combining liberal arts undergraduate education with professional schools including law and business. Comparable to Mercer in scale, Southeastern private university positioning, and integration of liberal arts with professional preparation.
• Belmont University: Private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee with schools of business, law, nursing, pharmacy, and music. Comparable to Mercer in faith-affiliated identity, mid-size scale, professional school portfolio, and Southern US focus.
• Furman University: Private liberal arts and pre-professional university in Greenville, South Carolina with strong undergraduate research culture. Comparable to Mercer's residential Macon undergraduate experience, although Furman is more selective and lacks Mercer's multi-campus graduate/professional scale.
• Elon University: Private university in Elon, North Carolina with undergraduate, graduate, and law programs. Comparable to Mercer in mid-size Southeastern private university positioning, professional school expansion (law), and emphasis on undergraduate research.

Broad incumbents

• Vanderbilt University: Private R1 research university in Nashville, Tennessee with major medical, law, business, engineering, and divinity schools. Comparable to Mercer in faith-affiliated heritage (historically Methodist) and breadth of professional schools, but operates at a substantially higher scale and brand tier.
• Emory University: Private R1 research university located in Atlanta, Georgia, with extensive medical, law, business, and nursing schools. Closest direct geographic peer to Mercer in the Atlanta research university cluster, but operates at substantially larger scale and higher brand tier.
• Wake Forest University: Private R2 research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with schools of business, law, and medicine. Comparable to Mercer in R2 research status, Southeastern footprint, and professional school mix, but at higher brand tier and larger endowment scale.

Emerging players

• Wofford College: Private liberal arts college in Spartanburg, South Carolina with strong undergraduate focus. Comparable to Mercer's Macon residential undergraduate experience in size and Southeastern private positioning, but lacks Mercer's multi-campus graduate and professional school scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MercerYou
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MercerUniversity
• Facebookfacebook.com/107638515361
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mercer-university-18173
• Instagraminstagram.com/merceryou

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles27 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mercer University