Mercy College of Health Sciences
The Vibe Check
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a tight-knit, mission-driven environment where every student is laser-focused on entering the healthcare field. The urban campus feels less like a sprawling university and more like a professional training ground, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where peers support each other through rigorous clinicals and labs.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1100
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 20
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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Academics & Majors
The academic experience is exclusively tailored to high-demand health professions, with programs designed to meet strict industry standards and licensing requirements. Instruction is hands-on and practical, utilizing simulation labs and real-world clinical rotations rather than large lecture halls, though research opportunities beyond applied coursework are limited.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Des Moines
Des Moines offers a vibrant yet manageable urban experience, with students frequenting the East Village for trendy dining and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park for relaxation. The city’s extensive trail system is popular for biking and running, while the downtown farmers market provides a major weekend attraction for students looking to explore local culture.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($62,234):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in downtown Des Moines, a generally safe and walkable urban area with a visible security presence. Like any city center, students should practice standard urban safety awareness, but the college maintains a secure environment with 24/7 monitoring and emergency protocols.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High acceptance rate ensures accessibility for a wide range of students.
- ✓ Specialized focus on health professions leads to strong career readiness.
- ✓ Tuition is significantly lower than the national average for private colleges.
- ✓ Location in Des Moines provides access to major healthcare employers for clinicals.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation (46.7%) and retention (52.6%) rates indicate significant student attrition.
- ✗ Campus life is limited; it is primarily a commuter school with no on-campus housing.
- ✗ Academic offerings are narrow, with no options for non-health majors.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercy College is known for its focused education in health sciences, offering programs like Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Surgical Technology. It is recognized for providing accessible, career-oriented training that leads directly to licensure and employment in the healthcare industry.
No, Mercy College of Health Sciences is not hard to get into, with an acceptance rate of 98.78%. While admission is accessible, prospective students must meet specific prerequisite requirements for their chosen health program, and competitive programs like Nursing may have limited seats despite the open enrollment policy.
Campus life is academically intense and professional, with a student body primarily focused on their studies and clinical rotations. As a commuter school with no on-campus housing and a small enrollment of 905 students, social life is quieter and revolves around program cohorts rather than traditional college activities.
Yes, Mercy College offers strong financial value. With an average net price of $23,417 and tuition of $17,328, it is much more affordable than most private schools. The 10-year median earnings of $62,234 for graduates indicate a solid return on investment for a degree that provides direct entry into high-demand healthcare careers.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,312
- In-State Tuition $17,328
- Zip Code 50309
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of $17,328 for both in and out-of-state tuition, Mercy College is significantly more affordable than most private institutions. The 10-year median earnings of $62,234 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for a degree that leads directly to licensure and immediate employment in the growing healthcare sector.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.