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Mercy College of Health Sciences and Loras College are both private nonprofit institutions — Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA and Loras College in Dubuque, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | Mercy College of Health Sciences | Loras College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 99.7% | 99.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 980 average |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 16–21 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 867 | 1,083 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $17,664/year | $39,824/year |
| Average net price after aid | $26,924 | $20,716 |
| Graduation rate | 65.5% | 67.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,234 | $58,289 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 7.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Engineering |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (99.7% vs 99.9%). 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.
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Common questions when choosing between Mercy College of Health Sciences and Loras College
Mercy College of Health Sciences has an acceptance rate of 99.7%; Loras College is around 99.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Mercy College of Health Sciences tuition is $17,664/year. Loras College is $39,824/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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