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Drake University vs Mount Mercy University

Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and Mount Mercy University is a private university in Cedar Rapids, IA. Drake University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 83% at Mount Mercy University. Mount Mercy University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,168 a year against $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 57% at Mount Mercy University. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $60,787 for Mount Mercy University.

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,543
1,107
Acceptance rate
64%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
1010–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,127
$20,168
Full cost / yr
$64,835
$55,054
In-state tuition
$52,130
$40,878
Out-of-state tuition
$52,130
$40,878
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,824
$17,070
$30k - $48k
$23,275
$15,294
$48k - $75k
$25,171
$16,883
$75k - $110k
$27,408
$20,311
Over $110k
$33,126
$25,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
57%
Freshman retention
84%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,233
$52,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,901
$60,787
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$23,699
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
27%
First-generation students
15%
29%
International students
4%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Drake University or Mount Mercy University harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 83% at Mount Mercy University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Drake University or Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,168 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Drake University and Mount Mercy University?
Before aid, Mount Mercy University costs about $55,054 a year and Drake University about $64,835. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Drake University or Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,070 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Drake University or Mount Mercy University?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,107 at Mount Mercy University.
Does Drake University or Mount Mercy University have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 57% at Mount Mercy University.
Do graduates of Drake University or Mount Mercy University earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,787 for Mount Mercy University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drake University and Mount Mercy University require SAT or ACT scores?
Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Mercy University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Drake University and Mount Mercy University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Drake University and 1010–1210 at Mount Mercy University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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