Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.6%
- Retention Rate
- 52.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,234
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,745
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,137 | $18,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,551 | $25,204 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | $19,614 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $42,532 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,789 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,704 |
Outcomes Overview
Mercy graduates enter Iowa's healthcare workforce with strong earning potential but face mixed financial outcomes. The median debt of $14,745 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 24%, well below the concerning 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $156 represent only 3% of typical graduate income, making repayment manageable. The 97% employment rate reflects high demand for nurses and health technicians in Iowa's growing healthcare sector. However, the 67.6% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle despite strong job prospects. Graduates typically work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across Des Moines and rural Iowa. The combination of low debt, strong earnings, and excellent job placement creates a strong return on investment for most students.