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Mercy College of Health Sciences vs Upper Iowa University

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private college in Des Moines, IA, and Upper Iowa University is a private university in Fayette, IA. Upper Iowa University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Upper Iowa University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,942 a year against $26,924 at Mercy College of Health Sciences. About 56% of students graduate at Mercy College of Health Sciences, compared with 38% at Upper Iowa University. Ten years after enrolling, Mercy College of Health Sciences alumni earn a median of about $62,234, against $52,766 for Upper Iowa University.

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA · Private

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Des Moines, IA
Fayette, IA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
867
1,994
Acceptance rate
100%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1180
970–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
17–23
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,924
$20,942
Full cost / yr
$34,398
$34,022
In-state tuition
$17,664
$19,475
Out-of-state tuition
$17,664
$19,475
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,171
$17,715
$30k - $48k
$27,533
$22,774
$48k - $75k
$29,193
$18,720
$75k - $110k
$26,615
$20,041
Over $110k
$29,953
$23,805
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
38%
Freshman retention
69%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,375
$48,776
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,234
$52,766
Median debt at graduation
$14,745
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
32%
First-generation students
35%
45%
International students
0%
4%
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 Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University harder to get into?
Upper Iowa University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% 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.
Which is cheaper, Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,942 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 Mercy College of Health Sciences and Upper Iowa University?
Before aid, Upper Iowa University costs about $34,022 a year and Mercy College of Health Sciences about $34,398. 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, Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,715 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, Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University is the larger of the two, with about 1,994 undergraduates against 867 at Mercy College of Health Sciences.
Does Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University have a better graduation rate?
Mercy College of Health Sciences has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 38% at Upper Iowa University.
Do graduates of Mercy College of Health Sciences or Upper Iowa University earn more?
Mercy College of Health Sciences alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,234 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,766 for Upper Iowa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mercy College of Health Sciences and Upper Iowa University require SAT or ACT scores?
Mercy College of Health Sciences considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Upper Iowa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Mercy College of Health Sciences and Upper Iowa University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1180 at Mercy College of Health Sciences and 970–1160 at Upper Iowa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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