At $15,770/yr net price, Mercy University graduates earn $52,055/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,055/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,770 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,055/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,055/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,637 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,092/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,487/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,042/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,273/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,124/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. | Master | $124,271 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $113,850 | $114,337 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $108,649 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $101,964 | $40,980 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $97,959 | $10,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $78,971 | $113,348 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $75,706 | $25,625 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $73,446 | $83,590 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $67,420 | $61,500 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $66,461 | $31,027 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Mercy University 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 University delivers solid financial returns if you choose the right program, but nearly half of students drop out before graduating. The nursing and allied health programs generate impressive earnings that easily justify the cost, while many other majors leave graduates struggling with debt relative to their income potential.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $97,000 to $124,000 annually against modest debt loads. Allied health diagnostics also pays well at $113,850, though the $114,337 median debt creates a tougher payback period. Educational administration graduates earn over $100,000 with reasonable $40,980 debt levels.
The 48% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack strong study habits, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 75% retention rate suggests many students realize quickly whether Mercy fits their needs.
You should consider Mercy if you plan to major in nursing or health sciences and can handle the academic demands. The relatively low net price of $15,770 makes these high-earning programs particularly attractive. Skip Mercy if you want to study liberal arts, business, or other fields not represented in the top-earning programs, as the financial returns likely won't justify the investment.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Focus on completing your program quickly and avoiding the academic struggles that force nearly half of students to leave without degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercy University worth the cost?
Mercy University offers decent value for nursing and healthcare students, with graduates in these fields earning $97,000-$124,000 within 10 years. However, the overall graduate earning average of $52,055 is below the national median, and the 48% graduation rate indicates many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Mercy University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Mercy University deliver strong returns, with graduates earning $97,000-$124,000 annually. Allied health and bioethics programs also perform well, with earnings ranging from $108,000-$114,000.
How much debt do Mercy University students typically graduate with?
Mercy University graduates carry a median debt of $19,637, which is manageable for nursing and healthcare graduates but may be challenging for students in lower-paying fields. The relatively low net price of $15,770 per year helps keep debt levels reasonable.
What are the risks of attending Mercy University?
The biggest risk is Mercy University's 48% graduation rate, meaning over half of students don't finish their degrees. Students outside of nursing and healthcare programs face lower earning potential that may not justify the cost.