Private nonprofit Institution

Mercy College of Health Sciences — Des Moines, Iowa

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Annual Tuition $17,328

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 98.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 905

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,234

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Des Moines, Iowa

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 5/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Mercy College of Health Sciences stands as a pillar of higher education in Des Moines, providing a robust academic foundation for 905 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Mercy College of Health Sciences offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Mercy College of Health Sciences. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

100%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Mercy College of Health Sciences?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 98.8%

Difficulty Low

Mercy College of Health Sciences maintains an acceptance rate of 98.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 14.8%

Women Enrollment 85.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Mercy College of Health Sciences cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $17,328

Out-of-State Tuition $17,328

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 33.9%

Median Student Debt $14,745

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $17,328, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,234, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,234

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 48.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $23,417

Median Salary (6yr) $53,375

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines?

905 Students

Gender Comparison

14.8% Men

85.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

52.6%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.9%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

5.2%

Black

12.6%

White

67.7%

Unknown

1.3%

Hispanic

11.3%

Two or More Races

0.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 26

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First-Generation 34.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 49.2%

💍

Married Students 18%

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Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$62,864
Average Family Income	$59,736
Median Family Income	$41,783

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

10.3%

89.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Des Moines Campus Environment

Located at 928 6th Ave, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Iowa. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Mercy College of Health Sciences compare?

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Direct Comparison Mercy College of Health Sciences vs Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines →

Common Questions about Mercy College of Health Sciences

Is Mercy College of Health Sciences a good college in Des Moines, Iowa?

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a recognized institution in Des Moines with an enrollment of 905 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Iowa based on Department of Education data.

Is Mercy College of Health Sciences worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,234. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Mercy College of Health Sciences cost for Iowa residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Mercy College of Health Sciences is approximately $17,328. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $17,328. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Mercy College of Health Sciences after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Mercy College of Health Sciences for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 49.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Mercy College of Health Sciences good for Health Professions programs?

Mercy College of Health Sciences is highly regarded for its Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Mercy College of Health Sciences?

Graduates of Mercy College of Health Sciences often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $62,234, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Mercy College of Health Sciences?

Mercy College of Health Sciences operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Mercy College of Health Sciences require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Mercy College of Health Sciences follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Mercy College of Health Sciences earn a median salary of $62,234 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Mercy College of Health Sciences a good investment compared to other IA colleges?

Mercy College of Health Sciences stands out as a high-value investment in Iowa. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Mercy College of Health Sciences located and what is the campus like?

Mercy College of Health Sciences is located at 928 6th Ave in Des Moines, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 905 learners.

Who typically attends Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA?

The student body at Mercy College of Health Sciences is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 34.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Iowa

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Mercy College of Health Sciences with other leading institutions in Iowa across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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