Mercer University sets new record-breaking numbers

"Mercer offers an amazing combination of both size, quality and program offerings that you just can't find anywhere else."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University has reached a historic level of enrollment this year with 1,130 new residential undergraduate students arriving on campus, along with 114 transfer students, marking a record-breaking year for enrollment. 

Mark Fox, Director of Residential Undergraduate Programs, says the most popular majors of the freshman are biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience.

“Mercer offers an amazing combination of both size, quality and program offerings that you just can’t find anywhere else,” said Fox.

Freshman Trevor Daniels from Ackworth, Georgia, shared that Mercer’s low student-to-teacher ratio was a big factor in his choice.

“It’s all about having a good support group. So being able to know my professors, and knowing they genuinely want to help me out, makes a big difference,” said Daniels, who is on a pre-med track with dreams of becoming a cardiac surgeon.

Many students echo Daniels’ sentiments, praising the one-on-one relationships they are able to form with faculty.

“When I need help, my teacher actually knows me. They’ll know what I’m struggling with because they can see my test grades, my quizzes, and they’ll know me by name,” one student said.

Mercer’s strong sense of community also stood out to incoming students. Mia Moss, a freshman from Marietta, Georgia, is studying music education and says she feels right at home.

“It felt like Mercer chose me, and I didn’t choose Mercer,” Moss explained.

According to the unviersity, its new nursing major has also helped boost enrollment. For the first time, nursing students can complete their entire program on the Macon campus, rather than transferring to Atlanta after two years. Fox stated with the current shortage of nurses in the country, Mercer is dedicated to supporting and developing the next generation of leaders in healthcare. 

“Mercer University has a commitment to providing health care in the state of Georgia, from our medical school to our nursing program, to help meet those shortages of nurses and doctors,” Fox added.

While celebrating enrollment success, Mercer also prioritizes student retention, working to ensure all students receive the support they need. Fox noted that challenges with FAFSA last year also played a role in the record-breaking numbers.

Recently, Mercer was ranked number 38 in Best Value Schools by the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list.