Business/Commerce at Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy graduates earn $57,572 in their first year—about 21% more than the typical business graduate in Iowa and a remarkable 95th percentile nationally. That's competitive with top Iowa business programs, even though Mount Mercy carries middle-of-the-pack selectivity. The debt load of $33,583 is higher than both state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 remains manageable, and graduates see strong income growth to nearly $70,000 by year four.

The premium debt makes more sense when you consider where these graduates end up salary-wise. While Mount Mercy sits at the 60th percentile among Iowa business programs (solid but not elite at the state level), it punches well above its weight nationally. You're paying about $6,500 more in debt than the Iowa median but getting $5,600 more in first-year earnings—a trade that pencils out, especially as that earnings advantage compounds over time.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, Mount Mercy delivers business credentials that open doors to above-average starting salaries without creating crushing debt. The moderate sample size suggests these results are meaningful but not guaranteed. If your child can minimize borrowing through scholarships or aid, this becomes an even clearer win.