About Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University builds its reputation on personalized attention and service-oriented programs in Cedar Rapids. The 1,135 students know this Catholic institution primarily for its nursing and education programs, which prepare graduates for careers helping others. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The university's 21 NAIA varsity sports teams compete as the Mustangs, creating a tight-knit athletic community where 476 student-athletes represent nearly half the campus.
Students pay an average net price of $23,435 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,787 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $23,699. The monthly loan payment of $251 remains manageable given the earning potential. With 97.9% of graduates finding employment, Mount Mercy delivers solid career outcomes that justify the investment.
Women make up nearly 63% of the student body, creating a campus culture that values collaboration over competition. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a unique January term for intensive study or internships. With 553 beds available and 71.56% of students from Iowa, Mount Mercy maintains its character as a regional institution serving local families seeking quality Catholic education.
Students pay an average net price of $23,435 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,787 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $23,699. The monthly loan payment of $251 remains manageable given the earning potential. With 97.9% of graduates finding employment, Mount Mercy delivers solid career outcomes that justify the investment.
Women make up nearly 63% of the student body, creating a campus culture that values collaboration over competition. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a unique January term for intensive study or internships. With 553 beds available and 71.56% of students from Iowa, Mount Mercy maintains its character as a regional institution serving local families seeking quality Catholic education.
Academics & Faculty
Mount Mercy operates as a Catholic liberal arts university with particularly strong nursing and education programs that draw students throughout Iowa and beyond. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. However, the 56.63% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees on schedule. The nursing program has earned regional recognition for preparing graduates who pass licensing exams at high rates. Education majors benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities in Cedar Rapids schools. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term where students can pursue internships, study abroad, or take intensive courses outside their major.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.9%
- Retention Rate
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,787
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,666 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,847 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,822 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,846 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,689 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
Campus Life
Mount Mercy's 40-acre campus sits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city with about 135,000 residents. Students face genuine Midwestern winters with snow, ice, and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February. With housing capacity for 553 students and total enrollment of 1,135, roughly half the student body lives on campus in a tight-knit community.
The Catholic Sisters of Mercy founded the university in 1928, creating a values-driven environment that emphasizes service and social justice. Women make up 62.91% of the student body, contributing to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. With 21 varsity sports and 476 total athletes, nearly half the campus participates in athletics at the NAIA level. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships or study abroad. Cedar Rapids offers coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within walking distance, while weekend trips to Iowa City or Des Moines provide bigger-city experiences. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and campus feels more like an extended family than an institution.
The Catholic Sisters of Mercy founded the university in 1928, creating a values-driven environment that emphasizes service and social justice. Women make up 62.91% of the student body, contributing to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. With 21 varsity sports and 476 total athletes, nearly half the campus participates in athletics at the NAIA level. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships or study abroad. Cedar Rapids offers coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within walking distance, while weekend trips to Iowa City or Des Moines provide bigger-city experiences. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and campus feels more like an extended family than an institution.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 553 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1928
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.3"
Student Demographics
Women make up nearly two-thirds of Mount Mercy's 1,135 students, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body draws primarily from Iowa, with 72% coming from in-state, suggesting Mount Mercy has built a solid regional reputation rather than national recognition. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the Catholic university serves a mix of middle-class families alongside some lower-income students. This blend of local draw and modest economic diversity fits Mount Mercy's mission as an accessible Catholic liberal arts institution.
- Men
- 37.1%
- Women
- 62.9%
- White
- 64.1%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 2.7%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 71.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.9%
Location
Mount Mercy University sits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city with about 137,000 residents. The campus is located 100 miles northeast of Des Moines and 25 miles north of Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa. Cedar Rapids serves as an economic center for eastern Iowa, known for its insurance companies and manufacturing base. The city straddles the Cedar River and offers a mix of urban amenities with Midwestern charm. With 71.56% of students coming from in-state, Mount Mercy draws heavily from Iowa's population centers. The Four-One-Four academic calendar allows for intensive January term experiences. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Mount Mercy University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,787
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,499
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $251/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,699
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University accepts 75.27% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. This Catholic liberal arts school offers accessible admission while maintaining academic standards for its nursing and education programs.
How much does Mount Mercy University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,435 after aid, less than the $39,070 sticker price. Graduates typically leave with $23,699 in debt and monthly loan payments of $251.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,135 enrolled students. The small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention in its liberal arts curriculum and professional programs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy achieves a 56.63% four-year graduation rate with 97.9% of graduates finding employment. Alumni earn a median salary of $60,787 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's focus on career preparation.
Where do Mount Mercy University students live on campus?
The university houses 553 students in on-campus facilities, serving nearly half of its 1,135 total enrollment. Room and board costs $11,030 annually in Cedar Rapids, Iowa's mid-sized city setting.
How many athletes participate in sports at Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy supports 476 student-athletes across 21 varsity sports competing at the NAIA level. The Mustangs distribute $3,432,581 in athletic scholarships, making sports accessible for many students.
