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 sends you into a health career with modest debt, but the return depends entirely on which program you finish. The median graduate earns more than a decade out than the debt they carried, and a $14,745 median debt load is low for a private four-year school. That combination keeps the financial risk contained if you graduate.
Nursing is the reason to come here. The bachelor's nursing track pays about $15,000 a year more than the health administrative services program, and it carries the school's health-focused mission where the local Des Moines hospital demand is steady. If you enroll for nursing and finish, the numbers work. If you land in health and medical administrative services, you're earning wages that make even this school's moderate debt harder to justify.
The real risk here is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and barely over half return after their first year. If you leave with debt and no credential, none of the earnings figures apply to you, and that is the most likely way this school costs you money. Go in only if you're confident you'll complete the program.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $48k pay less than families earning $48-75k, so a middle income here costs you more out of pocket than a low one. If your family earns under $30k, you pay several thousand less per year than the sticker rate. Above $110k, expect to pay near the full net price.
This school fits you if you want to become a nurse in central Iowa and will see the degree through. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to the administrative programs or unsure about committing, given how many students here don't finish.
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.