Mercy College of Health Sciences
Acceptance rate
99.7%
2025
Peer median 83.3%
Tuition per year
$17,664
$27,664 with room and board
Peer median $18,677
Undergraduates
867
Student-faculty ratio 7:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
37.5%
4-year; 6-year rate 37.5%
Peer median 47.8%
“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Mercy College of Health Sciences, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a distinguished institution dedicated to providing quality education in the health sciences. The college is well-known for its commitment to fostering a compassionate learning environment that aligns with its core mission of promoting health and wellness in the community. The institution offers a range of programs, including nursing, health care administration, and various allied health disciplines, all designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. The emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world experience is a hallmark of the college, allowing students to engage in clinical placements and internships that prepare them for professional challenges.
The college prides itself on its strong faculty, who are not only experienced educators but also seasoned professionals in their respective fields. This combination of academic rigor and practical expertise ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that is both theoretical and applied. Additionally, Mercy College of Health Sciences fosters a vibrant campus culture that encourages student involvement through various organizations, events, and service-learning opportunities. This rich community atmosphere supports personal and professional growth, making it an ideal environment for aspiring health professionals. With a focus on ethical practice and community service, the college instills in its students the importance of compassion and integrity, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society upon graduation.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences has exhibited notable trends in several critical areas over recent years. One of the most significant developments is the rise in tuition fees, particularly for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, tuition increased from $15,040 to $22,360, representing a staggering jump of approximately 48.8%. This rise in tuition could pose challenges for prospective students, especially in the context of rising student debt levels across the nation.
In addition to tuition hikes, the college has seen fluctuations in student enrollment. The undergraduate student population has experienced a decline from 846 in 2013 to a low of 727 in 2019, before slightly recovering to 909 in 2023. This decrease in enrollment could raise concerns about the college's attractiveness and competitiveness, especially as educational institutions across the country strive to maintain and grow their student bodies post-pandemic.
Furthermore, the retention rates of students have shown variability. Retention fell to 37.5% in 2018 but has rebounded to 66.7% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the college may be implementing effective strategies to enhance student satisfaction and support, which is vital for maintaining enrollment numbers and ensuring successful graduation outcomes.
Lastly, the graduation rates, particularly the timely graduation rate, experienced a noteworthy drop, reaching 0% in 2021 and 2022. However, there was a recovery in 2023, with a 53.8% graduation rate for students completing their studies on time. This rebound could indicate improvements in academic advising and support services, which are crucial for helping students navigate their educational journeys effectively.
Overall, while Mercy College of Health Sciences faces challenges such as rising tuition and fluctuating enrollment, the recent improvements in retention and graduation rates signal positive changes that could enhance student experiences and outcomes in the future.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- In Des Moines
- Nearest international airport
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 4 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Adreain Henry (President)
- Phone
- 5156433180
- City
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Address
- 928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-1239
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 83.3% · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 100.0%, women 97.5%.
Data insights
Analysis of Mercy College of Health Sciences Admission Trends
The admissions data for Mercy College of Health Sciences reveals significant trends over the years, particularly regarding the acceptance rates for male and female applicants. Notably, from 2010 to 2023, the acceptance rates have shown fluctuations, with male applicants experiencing rates as low as 29% and as high as 100%, while female candidates have seen rates ranging from 35% to 98%. This disparity suggests that the college may have more lenient admission criteria for female applicants in certain years.
Looking at the enrollment numbers, there appears to be a consistent effort to maintain student numbers, although the total number of students admitted has varied. The peak enrollment year was in 2010 with 279 students, while the lowest was in 2023 with 69 students. The number of students denied admission has also seen variations, which could imply either an increase in applicant quality or a strategic shift in the college's admission policies over the years.
Moreover, the data suggests a proactive approach to managing deferred admissions, as seen in several years where a notable number of students were accepted but chose to delay their enrollment. This indicates the college's flexibility in accommodating students' needs, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where institutions aim to provide more personalized admissions experiences.
Overall, the trends from Mercy College of Health Sciences indicate a dynamic admission landscape that adapts to changing applicant demographics and institutional strategies, positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of prospective students.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 0% submitted SAT, 9% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Mercy College of Health Sciences
The admission data for Mercy College of Health Sciences reveals a concerning trend in the number of ACT submissions over the years. From 2007 to 2016, the percentage of applicants submitting their ACT scores remained relatively high, with around 69% to 78% of admitted students providing their scores. This stability indicates a strong interest in the program and a consistent applicant pool.
However, from 2017 onwards, there has been a significant drop in both the number of applicants submitting their ACT scores and the corresponding percentages. For instance, in 2017, only 16% of admitted students submitted their scores, and by 2023, this figure plummeted to a mere 3%. This decline raises questions about the changing dynamics of college admissions, particularly in the context of the increasing acceptance of test-optional policies across many institutions.
Moreover, the shift might reflect broader trends in higher education, where standardized testing is being scrutinized for its fairness and effectiveness in predicting student success. The decline in submissions might suggest that prospective students are either choosing not to take standardized tests or are applying to institutions that do not require them.
In light of these trends, Mercy College of Health Sciences may need to reassess its admissions strategy and consider how it can attract a diverse range of applicants, potentially by emphasizing holistic admissions processes that value a wider array of student achievements and experiences beyond standardized test scores. This approach could help the institution remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
679 applicants in 2025, 99.7% admitted
677 admitted 2 not admitted Yield 25.7%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's2 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduates from Mercy College of Health Sciences in 2023
The data from Mercy College of Health Sciences in 2023 presents an intriguing snapshot of the graduates across various health-related programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out, producing 26 graduates with no international students participating. This reflects a strong interest and demand for nursing professionals, especially given the ongoing global health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program had a significant output as well, graduating 10 individuals, which highlights the importance of ultrasound technology in modern diagnostics. Interestingly, the Medical/Clinical Assistant program did not yield any graduates this year, which may suggest either a lack of interest in this pathway or a shift towards other healthcare roles that are perceived as more critical.
In contrast, the Physical Therapy Assistant and Emergency Medical Technology programs produced minimal numbers, indicating potential areas for growth or reevaluation of these courses to attract more students. The absence of international students in all programs suggests either barriers faced by foreign applicants or a focus on local talent, which is a trend observed in many educational institutions post-pandemic.
Overall, these figures shed light on the evolving landscape of health education and workforce readiness in the face of increasing healthcare demands. The college might consider strategies to boost enrollment in underrepresented fields while continuing to support the robust nursing program to meet the rising healthcare needs of the community.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | |||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | $40,853 | |||
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $40,853 | |||
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $65,877-$69,832 | |||
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $65,877-$69,832 | |||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $65,877-$69,832 | |||
| Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies. | - | |||
| Public Health, General. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,394-$76,437 |
Students
869 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 13:87 · Freshman retention 69.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 406
- First-year undergraduates 47
- Graduate students 2
- Transfers and others 414
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (867)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Mercy College of Health Sciences in 2023
The data from Mercy College of Health Sciences for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into the composition of its student body. A total of 911 undergraduate students are represented, with a notable predominance of female students across all categories. For instance, among the incoming freshmen, only 13% are male, while a staggering 87% are female. This trend continues with the upperclassmen, where the male representation drops even further to approximately 10.9%.
The percentage of male students among transfer students is slightly higher at 20.1%, yet women still dominate with 79.9%. Interestingly, the graduate student population appears to be entirely female, with no male representation recorded. This gender disparity is becoming a common trend in many educational institutions, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, reflecting broader societal changes in educational attainment.
Additionally, examining the breakdown of ethnicities shows that among freshmen, the majority identify as White, with 50 students, while the data for other ethnic groups remains unspecified due to the lack of detailed reporting. This observation raises questions regarding diversity and inclusion efforts at the institution, especially considering the growing emphasis on these values in higher education.
Overall, the demographic data from Mercy College of Health Sciences indicates a strong female presence, which could influence campus culture and academic programming. Moreover, it highlights the need for ongoing discussions around gender equality and the representation of diverse ethnic backgrounds within the college community.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Mercy College of Health Sciences
The age distribution data from Mercy College of Health Sciences provides valuable insights into the demographics of its student body. Notably, the majority of undergraduate females fall within the 18-24 age range, with 60% aged 18-19, 154 students aged 20-21, and 183 students aged 22-24. This trend reflects the traditional college-age demographic, indicating that the college attracts a younger population, particularly among female students.
Interestingly, there are no graduate male students registered, suggesting that Mercy College may need to enhance its appeal to male graduate candidates, potentially through targeted marketing strategies or program developments. Conversely, the total number of graduate females is quite limited, with only 64 students in the 35-39 age range and a mere 13 in the 50-64 range, indicating potential barriers for older students seeking advanced degrees.
Despite the general trend of younger students, the college has a small but notable representation of students over 50 years of age. This age group, while minimal, signifies a shift towards lifelong learning and the increasing importance of education for older adults.
In summary, Mercy College of Health Sciences exhibits a predominantly young female student body with a notable absence of male graduate students. This demographic composition highlights potential areas for growth, particularly in attracting more diverse age groups and gender representation in graduate programs. As educational institutions adapt to the evolving landscape of adult education, understanding and addressing these demographic nuances will be crucial for fostering a more inclusive environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2023
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Mercy College of Health Sciences
The data from Mercy College of Health Sciences reveals a modest presence of international students within its undergraduate program over the past two years. In 2021, there were 869 undergraduate students, with only 1 being an international student, resulting in a mere 0.12% representation. The following year, 2022, saw an increase in total undergraduate enrollment to 951, but the number of international students remained unchanged at 1, leading to a slight decrease in their percentage representation to 0.11%.
This stagnation in the number of international students, despite an increase in overall enrollment, raises questions about the college's appeal to prospective international applicants. Factors such as academic programs, support services, cultural inclusivity, and financial considerations play a critical role in attracting international students. It's essential for institutions to actively enhance their global outreach and marketing strategies to diversify their student body.
Moreover, the absence of graduate student data for these years indicates a gap in understanding the overall international student landscape at the institution. Many colleges in the U.S. are experiencing a surge in international enrollments as global mobility resumes post-pandemic, making it crucial for Mercy College to assess its competitive positioning in the higher education market.
In conclusion, while the college has made strides in increasing overall student enrollment, the negligible growth in international representation suggests a need for targeted strategies to enhance its attractiveness to international students, ultimately contributing to a richer, more diverse educational environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$27,664
- Undergraduate tuition
- $17,664
- Room and board
- $10,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 9% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 87%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$19.5M
Expenses$17.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 1.4 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 29.8 mi
U.S. News #116
-
Grinnell CollegeGrinnell · 47.9 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
University of IowaIowa City · 108.0 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Creighton UniversityOmaha · 122.4 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nebraska--OmahaOmaha · 125.6 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Augustana CollegeRock Island · 159.2 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 168.6 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Knox CollegeGalesburg · 174.8 mi
Liberal Arts #85
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Mercy College of Health Sciences:
-
Drake University - Ranked 178 in the 2024 US News rankings, Drake University is a comprehensive university located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a liberal arts education.
-
Iowa State University - With a rank of 115, Iowa State University is a major public research university located in Ames, Iowa. It is renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.
-
Grinnell College - This liberal arts college ranks 11th in the 2024 US News rankings. Grinnell College is known for its rigorous academics, strong social justice focus, and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Iowa - Ranked 93, the University of Iowa is a comprehensive university located in Iowa City. It is famous for its writing program and is also a prominent research institution.
-
Creighton University - With a rank of 124, Creighton University is a private Jesuit university located in Omaha, Nebraska, offering a strong emphasis on health sciences, law, and business programs.
-
Augustana College - Ranked 100, Augustana College is a liberal arts college in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to experiential learning.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region, enriching the educational landscape around Mercy College of Health Sciences.
Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Trends at Mercy College of Health Sciences
The data from Mercy College of Health Sciences indicates a notable decline in crime rates over the years, reflecting a significant improvement in campus safety. In 2013, the average crime rate was 5.91 incidents per 1000 students, primarily driven by offenses such as gun-related arrests and assaults. However, as the years progressed, there has been a steady decrease in the average crime rates, reaching a low of 0.00 in both 2020 and 2022.
The absence of reported incidents during 2020 can be attributed to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a decrease in on-campus activities. As students transitioned to online learning, the opportunities for crime were inherently reduced. Following this trend, a slight resurgence in crime was noted in 2021 and 2023, with a total of one and two reported incidents respectively. Despite this, the overall trend remains positive, with a general reduction in crime rates observed over the decade.
It is also worth noting that the types of crimes reported, including drug-related offenses and domestic violence, highlight the need for continued focus on prevention programs and awareness campaigns. The college's commitment to creating a safer environment is crucial, and ongoing efforts to engage the student body in crime prevention initiatives will be essential in maintaining low crime rates.
Overall, the data suggests that with sustained efforts in safety and awareness, Mercy College of Health Sciences can continue to foster a secure educational environment for its students. For more information on crime rate calculations, please visit: crime rate calculation method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.