Mercer University (MU)

Many students cite the quality of Mercer University's education as a high point, applauding a curriculum that provides "a lot of versatile exposure to different subjects." This can be seen especially in study abroad options that are available to every major and which range from semester and year-long programs to shorter, faculty-led trips or service-learning experiences. Even at home, there are "plenty of ways to gain leadership and research experience"-Mercer is known for its research opportunities. As one student explains, "Research and liberal arts go hand in hand here." Another student describes the school as "well-rounded in its academic offerings and quality" and emphasizes that "students of all intended majors should feel welcomed." It's an academically rigorous environment and professors "expect you to put in the work." As one student explains, "There is no such thing as an 'easy A.' However, [the professors] are there to help if you ask" and "There's help for anyone for anything." The school's "small class size allows you to connect with faculty"-you "feel like a person rather than just a number at Mercer." As one student describes, "Professors are willing to put in the extra effort to help students with their needs and/or direct them to those that can best help them." In short, Mercer is "challenges you to learn and do better, and has a great amount of opportunities to enrich your learning."

“Even though this is a small school in Georgia, there are people from all over who attend Mercer.” What unites them is that they’re “full of school spirit” and “highly engaged on campus and in our community.” It’s “easy to find a group that you fit in with,” and “everyone always finds their niche and their people,” the result of which is that “there is always going to be someone there when you need support.” Overall, people are “very friendly and outgoing” and “easy to talk to and work with.” Students are “very smart and dedicated” and there is “lots of studying and importance put on academics,” though they’re also described as “deeply committed to extracurriculars,” whether it’s clubs, intramurals, or student government. From participating in research to leading an organization, Mercerians “are highly motivated and have ambitious goals.” However, it’s far from being overly competitive. Rather, students feel supported by their peers, who “are not just people you see in passing, they are people who will uplift you and inspire you to continue to do your best.”

Mercer has a beautiful campus and students enjoy “reading on the benches [and] doing work outside in good weather.” On the weekends, many students enjoy tailgating and attending sporting events and can also head into nearby Macon. Many students spend time at the gym and join the group fitness classes, which range from spin to yoga. The school also collaborates with the local climbing gym, allowing students to rock climb for free, and many students participate in the “massive intramural sports program.” One favorite Mercer tradition is BearStock, a music festival that takes place during the spring semester. While Greek life is popular, there is also a “ginormous selection of clubs” and students can easily get involved in something that interests them, whether it’s astronomy, D&D, volunteer work, theater, or ballroom dance. It’s a studious environment, so much so that the “open and accessible” library keeps some floors open 24 hours a day and sometimes provides “little goodies to give us motivation to get through the week.” All these offerings lead students to conclude “the community is truly unmatched if you reach out and get involved.”

Mercer University’s Center for Career and Professional Development offers a wide range of services to help students explore majors, clarify career goals, and prepare for life after graduation. Through the Focus 2 Career platform and other assessments, students can identify their interests, values, and strengths, enabling them to make informed decisions about majors and careers. Personalized support is available through individual appointments with career consultants, who assist with résumés, cover letters, interview preparation, and job and internship searches. The center also connects students to experiential learning opportunities such as micro-internships offered through Parker Dewey, allowing them to gain real-world experience in short-term, paid projects. Mercer hosts a variety of events designed to help students build professional connections, such as the Job and Internship Career Expo and the Accounting and Finance Networking and Career Fair. The center can also help students connect to the Mercer network for meaningful conversations with alumni mentors. Mercer University offers “big school resources with small school connections,” with one student adding, “These connections have led to internships and job opportunities for me.” Another student appreciates that “The Mercer name carries weight around the state when looking for job opportunities.” Mercer equips students with the tools they need and “prepares you for whatever career you are going into.” According to Payscale.com, the median early-career salary for Mercer graduates is $63,700, with 62 percent deriving a high level of meaning from their jobs.