Mercy University
Mercy University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mercy University at a Glance
Mercy University, previously known as Mercy College, is a private research university in Dobbs Ferry, New York, United States, with additional locations in Manhattan and the Bronx. It is a federally designated minority-serving institution and the largest private Hispanic-Serving Institution in the state of New York. The university was historically affiliated with the Catholic Church, but has been independent and non-sectarian since the early 1970s, though it retains its historical affiliation wi…
1950
76 years old
$369M
$368.5 million (2025)
8,992
6,775 undergrad · 2,217 grad
227
66 acres
Identity
Is Mercy University Worth It?
Mercy University offers moderate value at $14,072/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,055, which is 3% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Mercy University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #14 of 60 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 Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #4 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #5 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #6 | Le Moyne College | 51 | $22,277 | $62,731 |
| #14 | Mercy University | 43 | $14,072 | $52,055 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mercy University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in NY.
Best Programs at Mercy University
The highest-earning program at Mercy University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $98,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $16,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Mercy University earns $98,600, while a Music graduate earns $16,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $23,750 in median debt vs. $23,999 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,072/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 | $98,600 | $98,600 | $23,750 |
| Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences | $41,200 | $41,200 | $30,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,300 | $36,300 | $24,999 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $35,000 | $35,000 | $28,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $32,700 | $32,700 | $26,124 |
| Social Sciences, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $21,545 |
| Human Services, General | $30,500 | $30,500 | $28,000 |
| Psychology, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,000 | $28,000 | $24,250 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $23,700 | $23,700 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $20,600 | $20,600 | $27,625 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $17,500 | $17,500 | $27,000 |
| Music | $16,200 | $16,200 | $23,999 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dobbs Ferry, NY
- Student Body
- 5,735 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,072
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,055
- Median Student Debt
- $19,637