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Loras College vs Mercy College of Health Sciences

Loras College is a private college in Dubuque, IA, and Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private college in Des Moines, IA. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Loras College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,716 a year against $26,924 at Mercy College of Health Sciences. About 69% of students graduate at Loras College, compared with 56% at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Ten years after enrolling, Mercy College of Health Sciences alumni earn a median of about $62,234, against $58,289 for Loras College.

Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Des Moines, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,083
867
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1145
1010–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,716
$26,924
Full cost / yr
$50,537
$34,398
In-state tuition
$39,824
$17,664
Out-of-state tuition
$39,824
$17,664
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,479
$24,171
$30k - $48k
$17,033
$27,533
$48k - $75k
$15,624
$29,193
$75k - $110k
$20,233
$26,615
Over $110k
$23,039
$29,953
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
56%
Freshman retention
82%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,069
$53,375
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,289
$62,234
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$14,745
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
34%
First-generation students
17%
35%
International students
5%
0%
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 Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Loras College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,716 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,924 at Mercy College of Health Sciences. 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 Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Before aid, Mercy College of Health Sciences costs about $34,398 a year and Loras College about $50,537. 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, Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Loras College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,479 there, against about $24,171 at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Loras College is the larger of the two, with about 1,083 undergraduates against 867 at Mercy College of Health Sciences.
Does Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences have a better graduation rate?
Loras College has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 56% at Mercy College of Health Sciences.
Do graduates of Loras College or Mercy College of Health Sciences earn more?
Mercy College of Health Sciences alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,234 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,289 for Loras College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences require SAT or ACT scores?
Loras College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mercy College of Health Sciences considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1145 at Loras College and 1010–1180 at Mercy College of Health Sciences. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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