At $23,417/yr net price, Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates earn $62,234/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,234/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,417 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,234/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,234/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,745 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,177/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,440/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,028/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,859/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,966/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at Mercy College of Health Sciences graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Mercy College of Health Sciences delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but disappointing outcomes for other health programs. Your $23,417 annual investment pays off well if you pursue nursing, where graduates earn $51,000-$57,000 annually with manageable debt loads under $25,000. These nursing salaries provide solid returns in Des Moines's competitive healthcare market.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside nursing. Allied health programs produce starting salaries in the low $40,000s, barely justifying the cost when you factor in the college's troubling 48% graduation rate and 53% retention rate. Nearly half of students leave without finishing their degrees, creating significant financial risk.
You face specific risks at Mercy that other health science colleges avoid. The low retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment. Limited program diversity means fewer backup options if your original major doesn't work out. Only 34% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities compared to other private colleges.
Mercy makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing and can handle the academic rigor that causes many students to drop out. The nursing programs deliver legitimate career preparation with reasonable debt burdens. You should look elsewhere if you're considering allied health programs, unsure about your major choice, or need substantial financial aid to make college affordable. The combination of high costs and low completion rates creates unnecessary financial risk for students who aren't absolutely certain about pursuing nursing careers in Iowa's healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercy College of Health Sciences worth the cost?
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers decent value for healthcare careers, with relatively low debt ($14,745 median) and 10-year earnings of $62,234. However, the 48.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Mercy College of Health Sciences have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs at Mercy College of Health Sciences provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $57,000 annually. Allied health programs pay less at $41,000-$46,000, making the debt-to-income ratio less favorable.
How much debt do Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates typically have?
Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates carry a median debt of $14,745, which is manageable for nursing careers but could be challenging for lower-paying allied health positions that start around $42,000.
Does Mercy College of Health Sciences have good job placement after graduation?
While specific job placement data isn't available, the low graduation rate of 48.6% at Mercy College of Health Sciences suggests academic completion is a significant hurdle. Students who do graduate enter a strong healthcare job market in Iowa.