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Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA·Private nonprofit·905 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 905 students.

99%
Accept
905
Students
$23,417
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$48,000
Earnings
10 yr
$12,500
Debt

About This School

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private nonprofit institution located in Des Moines, Iowa with approximately 905 undergraduate students enrolled. Mercy College of Health Sciences has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 99%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,417 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $48,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private Catholic college focused on healthcare and located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1899, Mercy College offers master’s, bachelor's, and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs in the health sciences.

Worth considering if you're set on a healthcare career and want focused, mission-driven training — this Catholic institution has over a century of health sciences experience and keeps debt relatively low, with a median of just $12,500 at graduation. However, the numbers tell a mixed story: only 49% of students graduate, and just 53% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which suggests many students struggle to finish. If you enroll, go in with a clear plan and strong support system, because the odds of completion here are not in your favor without intention.

Founded
1899
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$17,328
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,328
Avg Net Price
$23,417
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$12,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
53%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black13%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (905 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mercy College of Health Sciences

928 6th Ave

Des Moines, IA 50309-1239

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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