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Morningside University

Sioux City, IA·Private nonprofit·1,166 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. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

71%
Accept
1,166
Students
$23,169
Net Price
53%
Grad Rate
$47,900
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Morningside University is a private nonprofit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa with approximately 1,166 undergraduate students enrolled. Morningside University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,169 per year. The graduation rate is 53%, and the typical graduate earns $47,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Morningside University is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located in Sioux City, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1894 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Morningside University has 21 buildings on a 68-acre (280,000 m2) campus in Sioux City. The Morningside College Historic District, which includes most of the campus, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Morningside College officially became Morningside University on June 1, 2021.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 53% graduation rate and 69% freshman retention suggest a significant number of students struggle to finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $15,750, and the small campus (under 1,200 undergrads) means you're not getting lost in a crowd. Worth considering if you want a tight-knit, faith-affiliated community in the Midwest and have a clear plan for staying on track — but ask hard questions about academic support before committing.

Founded
1894
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing27%
Education18%
Health Professions14%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology6%
Computer Science3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Social Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Phyllis SomervillePauline PhillipsEinar HaugenEppie Lederer

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite910

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,190
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,190
Avg Net Price
$23,169
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants32%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
53%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

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

White58%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,166 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Morningside University

1501 Morningside Ave

Sioux City, IA 51106-1751

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.
Trademarks

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