Academic Programs & Learning

Mercer University

What About Academic Quality?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

83%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

57%

Part-time students continuing

📊

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 13:1 means there are approximately 13 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 60% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches Here?

Total Teaching Staff
476
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Tenured Faculty
33%
158 of 476 instructors

Tenure Status

Tenured (33%) Non-Tenure (1%) Other

Academic Ranks

Professors13
Associate Professors55
Assistant Professors60
Instructors & Lecturers33
Other Instructional Staff315

Understanding Faculty Composition

Mercer University employs 476 instructional staff members. About 33% hold tenured positions. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.

Where Do Online Students Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2023 census)

Undergraduate (4,807 enrolled)
924
exclusively online (19.2%)
Same state 879 (95.1%)
Other US states 44 (4.8%)
Outside US 1 (0.1%)
Graduate (4,317 enrolled)
1,021
exclusively online (23.7%)
Same state 875 (85.7%)
Other US states 144 (14.1%)
ℹ️

About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

95% of Mercer University's exclusively online undergraduates are located in GA. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

7,201
Total FTE
4,869
Undergraduate FTE
2,332
Graduate FTE

FTE Distribution

Undergraduate FTE
4,869 (67.6%)
Graduate FTE
2,332 (32.4%)

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:78.9% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment adjusted for course load. One FTE represents a student taking a full course load, while two half-time students equal one FTE. This metric helps compare institutional size and resource allocation across different schools.

How Intensively Do Students Study?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

78.9%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
4,869
Graduate FTE
2,332
Total FTE
7,201
Headcount
9,124

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

The enrollment intensity shows how committed students are to their studies. Higher FTE ratios indicate more full-time students and intensive programs, while lower ratios suggest flexible scheduling that accommodates working professionals and students with other responsibilities. This information helps you understand whether the institution caters to traditional full-time students or offers more flexibility for adult learners.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Mercer University directly at 4783012700 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 476 instructional staff with 33% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from GA (95% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Mercer University?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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