Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Mount Mercy University logo

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA·Private nonprofit·1,135 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.

79%
Accept
1,135
Students
$23,435
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$48,400
Earnings
10 yr
$18,500
Debt

About This School

Mount Mercy University is a private nonprofit institution located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with approximately 1,135 undergraduate students enrolled. Mount Mercy University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,435 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $48,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mount Mercy University is a private Catholic university in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 56% graduation rate and 70% freshman retention suggest that many students who start at Mount Mercy don't finish, which is worth taking seriously. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $18,500, and median earnings of $48,400 after 10 years are reasonable for a small Catholic university in the Midwest — especially given the personalized attention a 1,100-student campus can offer. Worth considering if you're drawn to a faith-based, tight-knit environment and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask the admissions office directly about support services and why so many students leave before finishing.

Founded
1928
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions31%
Business & Marketing25%
Education12%
Psychology4%
Biological Sciences3%
Communications2%
Social Sciences1%
Visual & Performing Arts1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1120

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,070
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,070
Avg Net Price
$23,435
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$18,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

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

White64%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,135 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mount Mercy University

1330 Elmhurst Dr NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797

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

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.