At $23,435/yr net price, Mount Mercy University graduates earn $60,787/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,787/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,435 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,787/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,787/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,699 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,255/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,779/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,217/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,021/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,996/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Mount 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
Mount Mercy University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $23,435 annual net price. With median 10-year earnings of $60,787, you're looking at a payback period that stretches uncomfortably long, especially given the 55.9% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees.
Business Administration stands out as the only program offering strong earnings potential at $68,666, though it comes with higher debt of $34,594. Computer Science also shows promise at $63,005 annually. Nursing graduates earn a modest $56,847 despite the profession's stability, while accounting majors face particularly poor returns at just $52,822 given the degree requirements.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its completion rates. With a 70% retention rate and graduation rate below 56%, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The small size limits networking opportunities in Cedar Rapids' modest job market, where major employers are few.
Mount Mercy works financially only if you're pursuing business or computer science and confident you'll graduate. The school attracts just 26% of students to financial aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families. Students seeking nursing or education programs will find better value elsewhere.
Your best cost strategy involves completing the degree quickly and leveraging the school's small class sizes for faculty connections. However, most students should seriously consider Iowa's public universities, which offer better graduation rates and lower costs for similar career outcomes in the state's job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Mercy University worth the cost?
Mount Mercy University offers mixed value with graduates earning $60,787 annually after 10 years against a $23,435 yearly cost. Business and computer science programs show stronger returns, but the 56% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Mount Mercy University?
Business Administration leads at $68,666 annually, followed by Computer Science at $63,005. Nursing and accounting programs earn in the mid-$50,000s, which is reasonable for these fields.
How much debt do Mount Mercy University graduates have?
Typical graduates leave with $23,699 in debt, which is manageable given the $60,787 median earnings. The debt-to-income ratio works out to about 39%, which falls within acceptable ranges.
Does Mount Mercy University have good financial aid?
The net price of $23,435 suggests decent financial aid for a private school. However, with a 75% acceptance rate and 56% graduation rate, the school may struggle to retain students despite aid packages.