Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mount Mercy University at a Glance
Mount Mercy University is a private Catholic university in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928.
1928
98 years old
1,451
40 acres
Identity
Is Mount Mercy University Worth It?
Mount Mercy University offers moderate value at $20,168/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $60,787, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% 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.
How Mount Mercy University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #40 of 177 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 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #40 | Mount Mercy University | 43 | $20,168 | $60,787 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Mount Mercy University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in IA.
Best Programs at Mount Mercy University
The highest-earning program at Mount Mercy University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $30,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Mount Mercy University earns $56,200, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $30,800. 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 $23,500 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,168/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 | $56,200 | $56,200 | $23,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $56,100 | $56,100 | $27,319 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $51,400 | $51,400 | $24,307 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,800 | $45,800 | $25,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $41,300 | $41,300 | $22,772 |
| Marketing | $38,700 | $38,700 | $18,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,000 | $38,000 | $15,865 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,300 | $36,300 | $25,315 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,800 | $30,800 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Student Body
- 1,107 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,168
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,787
- Median Student Debt
- $23,699