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Morningside University

Sioux City, IA·Private nonprofit·1,163 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. a private nonprofit school with 1,163 students.

71%
Accept
1,163
Students
$31,320
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$47,900
Earnings
10 yr
$26,028
Debt

About This School

Morningside University is a private nonprofit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa with approximately 1,163 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 $31,320 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Wesleyan
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,538

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing28%
Education26%
Health Professions12%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology8%
Social Sciences2%
Computer Science2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Phyllis SomervillePauline PhillipsEinar HaugenEppie Lederer

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,660
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,660
Avg Net Price
$31,320
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$33,738
$30–48k$21,201
$48–75k$19,124
$75–110k$20,575
$110k+$41,981

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$26,028

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,028
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$42,300
Female graduates$34,300

Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,028
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White54%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%
Two or more races3%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,163 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.
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