Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences' nursing program lands near the middle of Iowa's nursing schools—40th percentile statewide—but that still translates to earnings about $12,000 below top Iowa programs like Luther College or Dordt University. The $66,309 first-year salary is respectable enough, but here's the red flag: by year four, median earnings drop to $62,094. This backward trajectory is unusual in nursing, where most graduates see steady wage growth as they gain experience and specializations.

The debt burden of $30,500 is manageable in absolute terms—you'd owe just 46 cents for every dollar of first-year income. However, when paired with declining earnings, that ratio becomes less comfortable over time. The program's 99% admission rate and one-third Pell grant population suggest Mercy serves many first-generation and lower-income students, which is admirable, but doesn't change the mathematics for your family.

If your child is set on staying in Des Moines, this program offers convenient access to local healthcare networks. But if mobility is an option, several Iowa nursing programs deliver $5,000-9,000 higher starting salaries with similar or lower debt loads. The earnings decline here suggests graduates may face challenges accessing higher-paying specialties or advancement opportunities that other programs facilitate more effectively.