Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Mount Mercy University and Central College are both private nonprofit institutions — Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA and Central College in Pella, 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.
Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 82.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,107
Tuition: $40,878/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 57.7%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Education
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Cedar Rapids, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Pella, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 86.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,070
Tuition: $20,988/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pella, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Mount Mercy University | Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 82.5% | 86.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1056–1120 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 20–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,107 | 1,070 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,878/year | $20,988/year |
| Average net price after aid | $20,168 | $23,377 |
| Graduation rate | 57.7% | 66.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $60,787 | $54,317 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 14.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Cedar Rapids, IA | Pella, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Education | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences |
Mount Mercy University is more selective (82.5% vs 86.2% acceptance rate). Mount Mercy University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($20,168 vs $23,377). Central College reports the higher graduation rate (66.2% vs 57.7%). Mount Mercy University is the larger undergraduate campus (1,107 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.
Mount Mercy University vs Northwestern College
82.5% vs 80.4% acceptance rate
Mount Mercy University vs Cornell College
82.5% vs 79.9% acceptance rate
Mount Mercy University vs Graceland University-Lamoni
82.5% vs 80.8% acceptance rate
Mount Mercy University vs Simpson College
82.5% vs 86.2% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Mount Mercy University and Central College
Mount Mercy University has an acceptance rate of 82.5%; Central College is around 86.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Mount Mercy University tuition is $40,878/year. Central College is $20,988/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool