Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa State University vs Mount Mercy University
Compare average net price ($18,589 at Iowa State University; $20,168 at Mount Mercy University), ROI score (8.52 vs 7.54), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($63,386 vs $60,787), and admissions selectivity (88.7% acceptance at Iowa State University; 82.5% at Mount Mercy University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Iowa State University | Mount Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.52 ✓ | 7.54 |
| Avg net price | $18,589 ✓ | $20,168 |
| 4-year avg net price | $74,356 ✓ | $80,672 |
| In-state tuition | $10,787 | $40,878 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,881 | $40,878 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $63,386 ✓ | $60,787 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 82.5% |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% ✓ | 57.7% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% ✓ | 72.8% |
| Median debt | $22,869 ✓ | $23,699 |
| Enrollment | 25,367 | 1,107 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1204 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Iowa State University | Mount Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,582 ✓ | $17,070 |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,506 ✓ | $15,294 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,463 ✓ | $16,883 |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,605 ✓ | $20,311 |
| Family income $110k+ | $22,496 ✓ | $25,244 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Iowa State University | Mount Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 0.1% | 21.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.2% | 13.4% |
| Marketing | 3.5% | 3.9% |
| Psychology, General | 2.7% | 4.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.3% | 4.4% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 0.1% | 6.4% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2.8% | 3.1% |
| Biology, General | 2.7% | 3.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Iowa State University reports the lower average net price by $1,579 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,316 difference over four years ($74,356 vs $80,672).
Iowa State University reports $2,599 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($63,386 vs $60,787). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 87.6% at Iowa State University and 72.8% at Mount Mercy University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,869 vs $23,699, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Iowa State University vs Mount Mercy University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa State University is cheaper — average net price $18,589 per year vs $20,168 at Mount Mercy University. The annual difference of $1,579 adds up to about $6,316 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $60,787 at Mount Mercy University. The gap in the federal data is $2,599. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Mount Mercy University is more selective at 82.5% acceptance vs 88.7% at Iowa State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.