Health Professions at Mercy University

Starting at just over $30,000 after graduation is tough in the New York area, where even modest living expenses quickly outpace that salary. Mercy's Health Professions program lands in the bottom quarter of similar programs statewide—earning roughly $7,000 less than the typical New York graduate in this field and $12,000 behind what nearby Excelsior University grads make. The 11th percentile national ranking tells a similar story: most health profession bachelor's programs deliver stronger initial outcomes.

The upside is meaningful earnings growth, with graduates jumping to $42,000 by year four. The debt load of $28,000 is actually reasonable relative to that first-year salary, and it's close to the national median for health profession programs. For context, nearly half of Mercy students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program serves students who may have limited alternatives and for whom any degree represents economic mobility.

The central question is opportunity cost. If your child can access programs like SUNY Cortland or St. Francis College—both offering $8,000+ higher starting salaries for similar debt—those represent better value. Mercy might work if it's the most accessible option or if the specific health profession concentration aligns perfectly with career goals, but parents should understand they're accepting below-average earnings outcomes in exchange for an 85% admission rate and relatively manageable debt.