Human Resources Management and Services at Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy's HR program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—sitting at the 40th percentile both nationally and within Iowa. With first-year earnings of $48,722, graduates earn about $800 less than the state median and roughly $1,600 below the national benchmark. The $29,225 debt load is slightly higher than typical for HR programs, though the 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. Looking across Iowa's 14 HR programs, Mount Mercy trails the top performers significantly: Waldorf graduates earn 60% more, and even University of Iowa grads out-earn Mount Mercy graduates by $4,200 annually.

The 8% earnings growth from year one to year four is modest but positive, pushing graduates to $52,422. This steady trajectory suggests stable career progression, though not the kind of rapid advancement that would dramatically improve the program's competitive position. For a private university charging private-school tuition, these outcomes look ordinary rather than exceptional.

If your child is set on HR and has strong ties to Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy offers a serviceable path into the field without crushing debt. But if you're comparing options across Iowa, the numbers suggest looking closely at University of Iowa or Grand View, both of which deliver better earnings outcomes at similar or lower debt levels. Mount Mercy isn't a poor choice—it's just not a standout one.