Biology at Mount Mercy University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Mount Mercy's biology program produces earnings below both the state median ($34,398) and what several competing Iowa schools deliver—Upper Iowa and Grand View graduates earn $11,000 more annually. At $32,264 first-year, these graduates are barely treading water against their $27,000 debt load, creating a tight margin for launching independent adult life in Cedar Rapids. The 40th percentile ranking among Iowa biology programs suggests this isn't just bad luck in the data—Mount Mercy graduates genuinely trail their in-state peers.
The program does keep debt reasonable relative to national biology programs (5th percentile), which matters given the modest starting salary. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 is manageable if earnings grow steadily, though biology bachelor's holders often need graduate school to significantly boost income. With fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, individual outcomes vary more than at larger programs, but the pattern is clear: Iowa families have stronger options for biology degrees.
Parents should ask why Mount Mercy graduates earn $2,000 less than the state median when nearby schools produce significantly better outcomes. Unless there's a compelling non-financial reason—specific research opportunities, graduate school placement rates, or personal fit—this looks like overpaying for below-average results in a state with better alternatives.
Where Mount Mercy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Mount Mercy University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Mount Mercy University graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Mercy University | $32,264 | — | $27,000 | 0.84 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $26,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $25,343 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
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 Mount Mercy University, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.