Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University is a private nonprofit university in Cedar Rapids, IA ranked #780 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,107 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 82.5%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.8% first-year retention, and 57.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $20,168, about $3,170 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -34.5%, roughly 119.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,871. That's about $9,183 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Mount Mercy University has an acceptance rate of 82.5%, annual tuition of $40,878, average net price of $20,168, and a national rank of #780 (Grade B), with a 57.7% six-year graduation rate, about 1,107 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,871 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Mount Mercy University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Mount Mercy University graduates 57.7% of students within six years and keeps 72.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Mount Mercy University'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 | $40,878 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,600 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $55,054 |
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 26.7% of Mount Mercy University students receive Pell Grants — 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 $17,070 to $25,244 depending on family income. Use Mount Mercy University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,311/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,244/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,871
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,871
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.8%
- Employment Rate 94.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Mount Mercy University 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.
Mount Mercy University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mount Mercy University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mount Mercy University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Mount Mercy University graduates earn $52,871 median, the -34.5% 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 Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,107
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.8%
- Graduation Rate 57.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Mount Mercy University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mount Mercy University 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 82.5%, Mount Mercy University 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 82.5% acceptance rate, Mount Mercy University 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 Mount Mercy University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business/Commerce, General, and Human Resources Management and Services draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 21.1%
- Business/Commerce, General 10.0%
- Human Resources Management and Services 8.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.3%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.1%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Marketing 4.1%
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. Accounting and Related Services $73,088
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,296
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $69,914
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $57,775
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services $55,899
- 6. Marketing $54,878
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $54,703
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $50,062
- 9. Psychology, General $47,791
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,918
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $84,016
- 2. Education, Other (Master's Degree) $68,091
- 3. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $63,240
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $62,858
- 5. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $45,912
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $73,088—59% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,918). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $84,016 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mount Mercy University. 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
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 17 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 (34 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Biology, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Information Systems and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- International Business
- Political Science and Government
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Philosophy
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Journalism
- Public Health
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,107
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.4%
- Female Students 58.6%
- Caucasian 55.9%
- Asian 2.2%
- Hispanic 7.7%
- Black 5.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mount Mercy University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Mount Mercy University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount Mercy University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Mount Mercy University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount Mercy University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Mount Mercy University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Mount Mercy University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -34.5% ROI. Ranked #780 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,168 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,871 median earnings. With 57.7% graduating within six years and 72.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Mount Mercy University's Positioning
With a B grade and #780 ranking, Mount Mercy University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,168 annually, Mount Mercy University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 72.8% 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 $14,118 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -34.5% ROI and $52,871 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,168+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Mount Mercy University ranks #780 of 6101 institutions, with 600 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
- 57.7% six-year graduation rate sits 4.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.8% first-year retention is 4.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -34.5% return on investment is 119.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,871 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,168 is roughly $2,771 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.8% employment rate within three years sits 26.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,168 is about $2,771 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 26.7% trails the national share by 12.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Mount Mercy University is a private nonprofit university based in Cedar Rapids, IA and earns a B overall grade. It holds a #780 national ranking Category results include Completion (B), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (B-).
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.
Student momentum is strong: 72.8% retention and 57.7% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -34.5%, 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 $20,168 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,054.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $34,886 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.7% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $52,871 six years after entry. This is roughly 21% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 94.8% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -34.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
82.5% 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 Mount Mercy University 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 Mount Mercy University's acceptance rate?
Mount Mercy University's acceptance rate is 82.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Mount Mercy University cost?
At Mount Mercy University, listed tuition and fees are $40,878 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,168. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Mount Mercy University's ranking?
Mount Mercy University ranks #780 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Mount Mercy University's graduation rate?
At Mount Mercy University, the six-year graduation rate is 57.7%, and first-year retention is 72.8%.
What are Mount Mercy University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Mount Mercy University report median earnings of $52,871 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Mount Mercy University's student population?
Mount Mercy University enrolls about 1,107 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797
- Website www.mtmercy.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$39.2M