Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy's clinical laboratory science program shows promising estimated earnings of nearly $65,000 in the first year—putting graduates right at the national median for this field. With estimated debt around $25,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 suggests a manageable financial picture where annual earnings exceed total borrowing by more than double. Laboratory science programs typically produce steady, immediate employment outcomes since healthcare facilities nationwide need certified medical laboratory professionals, and these figures align with that pattern.

The challenge here is certainty. Both the earnings and debt figures come from broader peer groups—national lab science programs for earnings, and similar private institutions for debt—because Mount Mercy's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. This means we're looking at what comparable programs typically produce, not verified results from Mount Mercy specifically. The school's 79% admission rate and moderate SAT scores place it in the accessible tier of private colleges, which often means students with varying preparation levels, potentially affecting completion rates and time-to-degree.

For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value if your child completes the degree on time and enters the field. Laboratory science offers clear career pathways with licensure requirements that tend to stabilize both employment and earnings. However, request completion rates and actual job placement data from Mount Mercy directly—small programs can be excellent when they have strong clinical partnerships, or problematic if resources are stretched thin.