Students at Mount Mercy University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top quarter of colleges nationwide for long-term financial outcomes.
The university's strong return on investment reflects its ability to prepare graduates for successful careers while maintaining the personalized attention of a small private college.
Mount Mercy University is a small private nonprofit institution in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that consistently delivers strong financial outcomes for its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $60,787, the university places in the 79th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating that its personalized approach translates into meaningful career success. Students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty mentorship while achieving earnings that significantly exceed what many larger institutions provide.
The university serves a balanced student population, with about 26% receiving Pell Grants and 29% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Mount Mercy combines reasonable access with strong outcomes, particularly for students who thrive in smaller academic environments. The 56% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success, while the strong earnings outcomes show that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
What sets Mount Mercy apart is its ability to deliver private college benefits—personalized attention, strong alumni networks, and career-focused programs—while maintaining outcomes that rival much larger institutions. For students seeking a close-knit academic community with proven financial returns, Mount Mercy represents an compelling option in Iowa's higher education landscape.
Mount Mercy University's program portfolio centers on professionally-oriented fields that lead directly to stable careers with solid earning potential. Adult Health Nursing dominates the university's offerings with 108 graduates earning a median of $56,847 ten years out, reflecting both the program's scale and the strong regional demand for nursing professionals. This program represents Mount Mercy's largest investment and delivers the highest aggregate return, demonstrating the university's strategic focus on high-demand healthcare fields.
Business programs provide the second pillar of Mount Mercy's academic strength. Business/Commerce graduates 51 students annually with median earnings of $58,402, while the more specialized Banking and Financial Support Services program, though smaller with 26 graduates, prepares students for targeted roles in the financial sector. These business programs benefit from Mount Mercy's location in Cedar Rapids and connections to regional employers who value the university's hands-on approach to business education.
The concentration in nursing and business reflects Mount Mercy's understanding of regional workforce needs and career stability. Both fields offer clear career pathways, professional licensing or certification opportunities, and strong job security. The university's small size allows for intensive clinical training in nursing and real-world business experience through internships and projects, creating graduates who enter the workforce well-prepared and connected to employment opportunities.
Mount Mercy University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally. With median 10-year earnings of $60,787, graduates significantly outperform many peer institutions, ranking in the 79th percentile for return on investment. The university also delivers modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $904 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the value of Mount Mercy's focused academic approach and career preparation.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its signature programs in nursing and business. Adult Health Nursing, the largest program with 108 graduates, produces median 10-year earnings of $56,847 and represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Business/Commerce graduates, the second-largest cohort with 51 students, earn a median of $58,402 ten years out, reflecting strong demand for Mount Mercy business alumni in the regional market. Banking and Financial Support Services, while smaller with 26 graduates, demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for specialized financial careers with solid earning potential.
The combination of nursing and business programs creates a stable foundation for Mount Mercy's strong earnings outcomes. These professionally-oriented fields benefit from the university's small size, which allows for intensive clinical training, internship opportunities, and close relationships with regional employers. The result is graduates who enter the workforce well-prepared and connected to career opportunities that support long-term financial success.
Mount Mercy University's affordability varies significantly by family income, reflecting typical private college pricing patterns. Low-income students pay a net price of $17,255 annually, which represents reasonable value given the strong outcomes, while middle-income families face costs of $21,217 per year. High-income families pay $25,996 annually, positioning Mount Mercy as a moderately priced private option compared to many similar institutions.
The university's financial aid approach helps make the private college experience accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. With over a quarter of students receiving Pell Grants, Mount Mercy demonstrates commitment to serving students who need financial support. The net price structure shows that the university provides meaningful aid to lower-income families while maintaining the resources needed to deliver personalized education and strong career outcomes.
Debt levels at Mount Mercy are manageable relative to the earnings graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt of $23,699 represents a reasonable investment given median 10-year earnings of $60,787, creating a sustainable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,612, a moderate level that reflects family investment in the private college experience without creating excessive burden for most households.
Mount Mercy University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
