Mercy University

Dobbs Ferry, New York, United States · Est. 1950 · Research University

Private research university in Dobbs Ferry, NY serving 8,774 students across six schools with 100+ programs.

  • Founded 1950 by Sisters of Mercy; became independent and nonsectarian in early 1970s
  • Private nonprofit research university with 8,774 students (6,482 undergrad, 2,292 postgrad) as of Fall 2023
  • Three campuses: Dobbs Ferry (66 acres), Manhattan (Herald Square), and Bronx (Hutchinson Metro Center)
  • Largest private Hispanic-Serving Institution in New York; federally designated minority-serving institution
  • Six schools: Business, Education, Health & Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • NCAA Division II athletics (Mavericks); 85% undergraduate acceptance rate (Fall 2023)

Academics

Mercy University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs across six schools, with many available online. The university is designated a Professions-focused Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Medium institution by Carnegie Classification. Faculty includes 227 full-time and 667 part-time professors, maintaining a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university participates in the McNair Scholars Program and is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research, with designated status as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Campus & Student Life

The main Dobbs Ferry campus spans 66 acres overlooking the Hudson River and includes academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, a fitness center, and dining options. Manhattan and Bronx campuses provide urban learning environments with state-of-the-art technology and health science labs. Student life includes NCAA Division II athletics (10 varsity sports), ROTC programs (Army and Navy), student government, and 72 student organizations. Approximately 11% of students live in campus housing; 89% commute.

Admissions

Fall 2023 undergraduate acceptance rate was 85%. Middle 50% SAT scores ranged from 1020–1230; ACT scores from 21–25. Average high school GPA of enrolled students was 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. The university welcomes first-time freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, and international students, with dedicated admissions pathways and support programs including the Catalyst Program for underrepresented students.

Outcomes & Recognition

Mercy University ranked 115th in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2024) and 20th in Top Performers on Social Mobility in the same category. The university was ranked No. 1 in New York for women's colleges by Newsweek's America's Best Colleges for Women 2026. More than 70,000 alumni include notable figures in politics, business, arts, and media, including U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman and Academy Award-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe.

Founded
1950
Type
Research University
Courses
14
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationNonsectarian; historic ties with Sisters of Mercy
Websitehttps://www.mercy.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
14
Avg career outcomes
$52.1K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources