Allen College vs. Mercy College of Health Sciences

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercy College of Health Sciences is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (869 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Mercy College of Health Sciences is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Mercy College of Health Sciences 7:1.

Allen College vs. Mercy College of Health Sciences Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Mercy College of Health Sciences? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 12% lower than at Mercy College of Health Sciences ($8,800 vs. $10,000).
• Allen College is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercy College of Health Sciences (about $1,852 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $17,664.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Allen College than at Mercy College of Health Sciences (about $1,852 more per year; $19,516.00 vs. $17,664.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercy College of Health Sciences than at Allen College (63% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Mercy College of Health Sciences Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Mercy College of Health Sciences? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mercy College of Health Sciences and Allen College.

• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMercy College of Health Sciences 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Mercy College of Health Sciences - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Mercy College of Health Sciences Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Mercy College of Health Sciences? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates ($16,750 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates ($173 vs. $206).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercy College of Health Sciences students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.