Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private institution in Des Moines, Iowa with 905 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $17,328 compared with a Iowa nursing-school average of $22,026. The school reports a graduation rate of 48.6%, median earnings of $62,234, and median federal debt of $14,745.
$17,328 is lower than the state average of $22,026.
48.6% is lower than the state average of 54.2%.
$62,234 is higher than the state average of $43,462.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | bachelor |
| Website | www.mchs.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $17,328 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,328 |
| Total Enrollment | 905 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98.8% |
| Graduation Rate | 48.6% |
| Retention Rate | 52.6% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $62,234 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,745 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $156 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 33.9% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 63.8% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.2 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 63.8% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Mercy College of Health Sciences depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $69,312, while the reported median debt is $14,745 with an estimated monthly payment of $156. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (67.7%), followed by Black students (12.6%) and Hispanic students (11.3%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($62,234) divided by median debt ($14,745)