Students at Misericordia University achieve strong financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations, reflecting the university's focus on career-oriented programs in health sciences and professional fields.
Graduates benefit from specialized training and personalized attention that translate into stable, well-paying careers with earnings that outperform similar institutions nationwide.
Misericordia University is a small private nonprofit institution in Pennsylvania that delivers strong long-term earnings outcomes for its graduates. Students earn a median of $64,313 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 80th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. What makes Misericordia distinctive is its focus on health sciences and professional programs that translate directly into stable, well-paying careers.
The university serves a more selective student population, with about 19% of students receiving Pell Grants and 30% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Misericordia combines limited access with strong outcomes for the students it does enroll. Graduates consistently earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, with earnings beyond expectations of about $1,811 annually.
With strong completion rates—69% of students graduate within six years—and specialized programs in nursing, business, and allied health, Misericordia offers the intimate learning environment of a small private college while delivering the career outcomes that justify the investment. For students who thrive in close-knit academic communities and want direct pathways to professional careers, particularly in healthcare, Misericordia provides a focused educational experience with measurable financial returns.
Misericordia University's program portfolio reflects its identity as a health sciences-focused institution with strong professional preparation. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest and highest-returning program, graduating 68 students who earn around $63,377 early in their careers. This combination of scale and strong outcomes makes nursing the university's academic and economic centerpiece, reflecting both regional healthcare demand and Misericordia's clinical training strengths.
Business Administration serves as the university's second-largest program with 59 graduates, though early earnings around $41,007 are more moderate. Many business graduates likely move into healthcare administration or related professional roles that complement the university's health sciences focus. Allied Health programs round out the top performers, with specialized diagnostic and treatment fields producing graduates who earn around $55,338 in early career positions.
The program mix demonstrates Misericordia's strategic focus on fields with clear career pathways and stable employment demand. Health sciences programs dominate because they provide direct routes to licensed professional roles with predictable hiring patterns. This concentration allows the university to develop deep expertise, strong clinical partnerships, and specialized facilities that enhance student preparation. For students interested in healthcare careers, Misericordia's focused approach provides intensive training and professional networks that translate into successful career launches.
Graduates of Misericordia University achieve strong financial outcomes that reflect the institution's career-focused approach. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $64,313, well above typical outcomes for similar institutions. The university also delivers earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $1,811 more annually than similar students at other colleges. This performance places Misericordia in the 80th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating consistent value across its program portfolio.
The strongest returns come from Misericordia's health sciences programs, which dominate the academic landscape. Adult Health Nursing leads with 68 graduates earning a median of $63,377 early in their careers, combining high enrollment with solid pay to create the university's highest aggregate return. Business Administration, the largest program with 59 graduates, produces more moderate early earnings around $41,007 but remains popular for its broad career applications. Allied Health programs round out the top performers, with specialized diagnostic and treatment fields earning around $55,338 early in career.
Misericordia's program mix reflects its mission as a health sciences-focused institution. Nursing and allied health programs provide direct pathways to stable, in-demand careers with predictable earning trajectories. Business programs complement this focus by preparing students for healthcare administration and related professional roles. The university's small size allows for intensive clinical training and personalized career preparation that helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
Affordability at Misericordia University reflects its position as a private nonprofit institution, with net prices that are higher than public alternatives but competitive within the private college market. Low-income students pay about $19,361 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $21,763 per year. Even high-income families pay $29,029, which represents significant financial aid that brings costs well below the full sticker price.
Debt levels require careful consideration given the private college premium. Typical graduates leave with about $26,973 in federal student loan debt, and many families also use Parent PLUS loans averaging $27,824. While these amounts are substantial, they align with what many private colleges require, and Misericordia's strong earnings outcomes help justify the investment. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes the affordability equation work is the combination of strong financial aid and career-focused programs that lead to stable employment. The university's emphasis on health sciences and professional fields means graduates typically enter careers with predictable hiring patterns and steady income growth. For families who value the small college experience and specialized career preparation, Misericordia's pricing reflects the personalized education and professional outcomes it delivers.
Misericordia University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
