Location: Des Moines, IA•In-State Tuition: $17,328•Admission Rate: 99%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,548
Est. from national median (213 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from national median (75 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 suggests this program could work financially, though national data indicates public health bachelor's graduates often need time to build earning power. Based on similar programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $37,500 would require roughly 9 months of gross income to repay the estimated $27,000 in debt—manageable if your child plans to work in the field immediately after graduation. The challenge is that public health roles often require additional credentials or experience to move beyond entry-level positions, meaning these early earnings may persist longer than in fields with clearer advancement paths.

What's less certain is how Mercy College's healthcare focus translates to outcomes compared to Iowa's public universities. The University of Iowa reports similar first-year earnings around $35,850, suggesting the Des Moines market may actually offer competitive opportunities for new graduates. However, Iowa public health programs typically see lower debt loads (median $21,500), which could reflect different financial aid packages or program lengths. With 99% admission and a significant Pell-eligible population, Mercy appears accessible, but the estimated figures here can't tell you whether their health system connections actually help graduates land jobs faster.

The math pencils out on paper, but you're making this decision with broad national averages rather than track record data. If your child has healthcare career clarity and values Mercy's specialized environment, the debt level seems reasonable. If they're exploring public health more generally, schools with reported outcomes would give you harder evidence of what to expect.

Where Mercy College of Health Sciences Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Mercy College of Health Sciences (estimated ±10%)Other public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mercy College of Health SciencesDes Moines$17,328$37,548*—$27,000*—
University of IowaIowa City$10,964$35,852*—$21,500*0.60
National Median—$37,548*—$26,000*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mercy College of Health Sciences, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 213 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.