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Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences are both private nonprofit institutions — Loras College in Dubuque, IA and Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Dubuque, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 99.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,083
Tuition: $39,824/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Dubuque, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
Des Moines, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 99.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 867
Tuition: $17,664/year
Student-faculty ratio: 7.0:1
Graduation rate: 65.5%
Top programs: Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Des Moines, IA with published program strength in Health professions.
| Factor | Loras College | Mercy College of Health Sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 99.9% | 99.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 980 average |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 16–21 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,083 | 867 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $39,824/year | $17,664/year |
| Average net price after aid | $20,716 | $26,924 |
| Graduation rate | 67.6% | 65.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $58,289 | $62,234 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Dubuque, IA | Des Moines, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Engineering | Health professions |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (99.9% vs 99.7%). Loras College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($20,716 vs $26,924). Loras College reports the higher graduation rate (67.6% vs 65.5%). Loras College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,083 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences
Loras College has an acceptance rate of 99.9%; Mercy College of Health Sciences is around 99.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Loras College tuition is $39,824/year. Mercy College of Health Sciences is $17,664/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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