Analysis
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.
Where Mount Mercy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mount Mercy University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Mercy University | $57,572 | $69,779 | +21% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Wartburg College | $54,652 | $61,080 | +12% |
| Grand View University | $51,251 | $51,189 | -0% |
| Waldorf University | $51,954 | $45,397 | -13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mount Mercy UniversityCedar Rapids | $39,070 | $57,572 | $69,779 | $33,583 | 0.58 |
 Wartburg CollegeWaverly | $51,040 | $54,652 | $61,080 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
 Waldorf UniversityForest City | $25,220 | $51,954 | $45,397 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $51,251 | $51,189 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
 Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake | $40,190 | $48,810 | — | $22,987 | 0.47 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 52 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.