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Head-to-head · 21 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 62% chose GSU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 21 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

21
cross-admits
2
cycles
+0pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 21 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Georgia State University logo Chose GSU
62%
Chose Mercer University Mercer University logo
38%

Median scholarship (chose GSU)

$42,101 / yr

Median scholarship (chose Mercer University)

$105,000 / yr
View all-time (52 cross-admits)
71% chose GSU 29% chose Mercer University

Trend · GSU's share

2023–2024
60%
every cycle (2)
100 50 0 23 24 2023: 60% 2024: 60%
GSU #89 · Mercer University #89 LSD n≈7/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Georgia State University logo
GSU
Atlanta, Georgia
Mercer University logo
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
USN Rank
#77
#108
LSD Rank
75+ (0.003)
75+ (0.002)
LSAT 25th
158
155
LSAT Median
160
157
LSAT 75th
163
160
GPA Median
3.64
3.62
Acceptance Rate
30.6%
37.8%
Class Size
237
152
Yield Rate
31.6%
34.0%

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Georgia State University logo
GSU
Atlanta, Georgia
Mercer University logo
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Tuition (In-State)
$16,162
$44,782
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$37,886
$44,782
Median Grant
$7,776
$20,000
% Receiving Grants
49.0%
87.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2024 ABA Employment
Metric
Georgia State University logo
GSU
Atlanta, Georgia
Mercer University logo
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
BigLaw (501+)
9.5%
2.9%
Judicial Clerkships
2.8%
7.7%
Median Salary (Private)
$100,000
$80,000
Employment Rate
91.0%
93.3%
Bar Pass Rate
90.0%
84.0%

Overview

About GSU vs Mercer University

Across 21 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 62% enrolled at Georgia State University and 38% at Mercer University.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Georgia State University and Mercer University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 21 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 21 applicants admitted to both schools, 62% chose to attend Georgia State University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Georgia State University is ranked #77 compared to #108 — a gap of 31 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Both schools are located in Georgia — Georgia State University in Atlanta and Mercer University in Macon — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, Georgia State University has lower tuition at $16,162 per year compared to $44,782. Combined with employment rates of 91.0% (GSU) and 93.3% (Mercer University), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Mercer University offered a median scholarship of $105,000 compared to $42,101, a difference of $62,899 that may factor into enrollment decisions.