Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.9%
- Retention Rate
- 70.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $60,787
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,699
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $251/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,666 | $34,594 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $23,708 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,847 | $23,558 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,822 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $21,359 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,982 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,689 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $26,625 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $24,750 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $35,060 | $41,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Mount Mercy graduates earn a median of $60,787 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 39%. Monthly loan payments average $251, consuming about 5% of typical graduate income. The 97.9% employment rate reflects strong career placement, particularly in nursing and education where Iowa faces ongoing shortages. Many graduates enter healthcare systems like UnityPoint and Mercy Medical Center or teach in Cedar Rapids area schools. The $23,699 median debt load sits well below the national average of around $30,000. While the 55.9% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges for some students, those who complete their degrees see solid financial returns. Mount Mercy delivers an average return on investment with particularly strong outcomes for healthcare-focused students.