Private nonprofit Institution

Mount Mercy University — Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Compare Visit Website

Annual Tuition $39,070

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 78.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,135

Active Students

Avg. Salary $60,787

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Mount Mercy University stands as a pillar of higher education in Cedar Rapids, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,135 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 Mount Mercy University offer?

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

Health Professions

30.5%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

25.5%

Enrollment Share

Education

12%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

5.7%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

4.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

4.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Mount Mercy University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Mount Mercy University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 78.8%

Difficulty Low

Mount Mercy University maintains an acceptance rate of 78.8%, 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 37.1%

Women Enrollment 62.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

ACT English 18 - 24

ACT Mathematics 18 - 26

Expert Insight

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

How much does Mount Mercy University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $39,070

Out-of-State Tuition $39,070

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 25.9%

Median Student Debt $23,699

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $39,070, graduates see a median starting salary of $60,787, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Mount Mercy University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $60,787

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 55.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $23,435

Median Salary (6yr) $52,871

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids?

1,135 Students

Gender Comparison

37.1% Men

62.9% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

70.1%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

Asian

1.9%

Black

3.4%

White

64.1%

Unknown

3.4%

Hispanic

2.7%

Two or More Races

14.4%

International

10%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 24

🎓

First-Generation 28.8%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 51.3%

💍

Married Students 15.1%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$61,693
Average Family Income	$63,068
Median Family Income	$50,311

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

43.7%

56.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Cedar Rapids Campus Environment

Located at 1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Mount Mercy University 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

⚖️

How does Mount Mercy University compare?

Direct Comparison Mount Mercy University vs Capri College-Cedar Rapids →

Direct Comparison Mount Mercy University vs Coe College →

Direct Comparison Mount Mercy University vs Kirkwood Community College →

Direct Comparison Mount Mercy University vs Mercy-St Luke's School of Radiologic Technology →

Common Questions about Mount Mercy University

Is Mount Mercy University a good college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

Mount Mercy University is a recognized institution in Cedar Rapids with an enrollment of 1,135 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Iowa based on Department of Education data.

Is Mount Mercy University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Mount Mercy University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $60,787. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Mount Mercy University cost for Iowa residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Mount Mercy University is approximately $39,070. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $39,070. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Mount Mercy University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Mount Mercy University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 51.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Mount Mercy University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

Mount Mercy University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Mount Mercy University?

Graduates of Mount Mercy University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $60,787, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Mount Mercy University?

Mount Mercy University 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 Mount Mercy University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Mount Mercy University 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 Mount Mercy University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Mount Mercy University earn a median salary of $60,787 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Mount Mercy University a good investment compared to other IA colleges?

Mount Mercy University 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 Mount Mercy University located and what is the campus like?

Mount Mercy University is located at 1330 Elmhurst Dr NE in Cedar Rapids, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,135 learners.

Who typically attends Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The student body at Mount Mercy University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 28.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

🏆

2026 Rankings: Iowa

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

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

Nursing

Business Administration