Misericordia University
Misericordia University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Misericordia University at a Glance
Misericordia University is a private Catholic university in the Dallas, Pennsylvania area, United States. It was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1924 as College Misericordia; in 2007 it became a university and changed its name. The university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees as well as post-master's and post-bachelor's certificates. The university operates a campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where it offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in p…
1924
102 years old
$79M
$79.1 million (2025)
2,201
1,721 undergrad · 480 grad
Identity
Is Misericordia University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Misericordia University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $64,313 — 20% above average — while paying $37,485/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Misericordia University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Misericordia University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #135 of 183 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #135 | Misericordia University | 30 | $37,485 | $64,313 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Misericordia University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 20 in PA.
Best Programs at Misericordia University
The highest-earning program at Misericordia University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $25,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Misericordia University earns $64,100, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $25,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $37,485/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 | $64,100 | $64,100 | $21,530 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $59,300 | $59,300 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $46,400 | $46,400 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,800 | $39,800 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $25,700 | $25,700 | N/A |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dallas, PA
- Student Body
- 1,672 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $37,485
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,313
- Median Student Debt
- $26,973