Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences has an acceptance rate of 99.7%, annual tuition of $17,664, average net price of $26,924, and a national rank of #663 (Grade B), with a 65.5% six-year graduation rate, about 867 undergraduates, and median earnings of $53,375 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private nonprofit university in Des Moines, IA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health and Medical Administrative Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and 69.2% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.4%, roughly 135.7 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Mercy College of Health Sciences Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates 65.5% of students within six years and keeps 69.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Mercy College of Health Sciences's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,664 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,328 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,398 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.9% of Mercy College of Health Sciences students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $24,171 to $29,953 depending on family income. Use Mercy College of Health Sciences's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,615/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,953/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,375
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,375
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.6%
- Employment Rate 92.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Mercy College of Health Sciences vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mercy College of Health Sciences's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mercy College of Health Sciences's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates earn $53,375 median, the -50.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-21
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 867
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 69.2%
- Graduation Rate 65.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Mercy College of Health Sciences
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mercy College of Health Sciences requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.7%, Mercy College of Health Sciences is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.7% acceptance rate, Mercy College of Health Sciences is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Mercy College of Health Sciences undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Health/Medical Preparatory Programs draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 93.1%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 4.9%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 2.0%
- Public Health 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,132
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services $60,708
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $59,453
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $54,255
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $73,132—35% more than Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($54,255). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mercy College of Health Sciences. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 27 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 9 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 867
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 12.7%
- Female Students 87.3%
- Caucasian 64.2%
- Asian 6.2%
- Hispanic 13.6%
- Black 12.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mercy College of Health Sciences's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Mercy College of Health Sciences's undergraduate population. Women make up 87.3% of the student body, while men represent 12.7%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mercy College of Health Sciences support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Mercy College of Health Sciences, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 87.3% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mercy College of Health Sciences support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Mercy College of Health Sciences, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.4% ROI. Ranked #663 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $26,924 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $53,375 median earnings. With 65.5% graduating within six years and 69.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Mercy College of Health Sciences's Positioning
With a B grade and #663 ranking, Mercy College of Health Sciences competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $26,924 annually, Mercy College of Health Sciences charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 69.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $18,847 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.4% ROI and $53,375 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $16,924+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Mercy College of Health Sciences ranks #663 of 6101 institutions, with 1071 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 65.5% six-year graduation rate sits 3.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.2% first-year retention is 7.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.4% return on investment is 135.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,375 run about 22% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $26,924 is roughly $9,527 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.2% employment rate within three years sits 24.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $26,924 is about $9,527 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.9% trails the national share by 5.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Des Moines, IA, Mercy College of Health Sciences operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It holds a #663 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
69.2% of learners come back after year one while 65.5% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -50.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $26,924 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,398.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,474 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $53,375 at the median. That sits about 22% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about -50.4% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Mercy College of Health Sciences admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mercy College of Health Sciences's acceptance rate?
Mercy College of Health Sciences's acceptance rate is 99.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Mercy College of Health Sciences cost?
At Mercy College of Health Sciences, listed tuition and fees are $17,664 per year, and the average net price after aid is $26,924. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Mercy College of Health Sciences's ranking?
Mercy College of Health Sciences ranks #663 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Mercy College of Health Sciences's graduation rate?
At Mercy College of Health Sciences, the six-year graduation rate is 65.5%, and first-year retention is 69.2%.
What are Mercy College of Health Sciences's job outcomes?
Graduates of Mercy College of Health Sciences report median earnings of $53,375 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Mercy College of Health Sciences's student population?
Mercy College of Health Sciences enrolls about 867 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Des Moines, IA 50309-1239
- Website www.mchs.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$11.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate13.8%