Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mercy College of Health Sciences at a Glance
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private Catholic college focused on healthcare and located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1899, Mercy College offers master’s, bachelor's, and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs in the health sciences.
1899
127 years old
869
Is Mercy College of Health Sciences Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Mercy College of Health Sciences is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $62,234 — 16% above average — while paying $26,924/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Mercy College of Health Sciences has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Mercy College of Health Sciences compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #17 of 55 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Loras College | 48 | $20,716 | $58,289 |
| #3 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #4 | St. Thomas Aquinas College | 46 | $19,994 | $62,909 |
| #5 | Mercy College of Ohio | 45 | $17,989 | $65,409 |
| #6 | Westminster College | 44 | $19,859 | $53,861 |
| #17 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 33 | $26,924 | $62,234 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mercy College of Health Sciences's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in IA.
Best Programs at Mercy College of Health Sciences
The highest-earning program at Mercy College of Health Sciences is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,600/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Mercy College of Health Sciences earns $54,600, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $54,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $19,500 in median debt vs. $19,500 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,924/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,600 | $54,600 | $19,500 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Des Moines, IA
- Student Body
- 867 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,924
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,234
- Median Student Debt
- $14,745