Allen College vs. Mount Mercy College

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mount Mercy University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (1,417 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Mount Mercy University is in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Mount Mercy University 14:1.

Allen College vs. Mount Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Mount Mercy College? 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 24.1% lower than at Mount Mercy University ($8,800 vs. $11,600).
• Mount Mercy University is 109.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $21,362 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.5% higher at Mount Mercy College than at Allen College (about $21,362 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mount Mercy University than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Mount Mercy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Mount Mercy College? 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 Mount Mercy College and Allen College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Mount Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027; Mount Mercy College Aug 15, 2027.

Allen College vs. Mount Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Mount Mercy College? 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).

• Mount Mercy University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Allen College's (50%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Mount Mercy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Mount Mercy College graduates ($16,750 vs. $22,250).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mount Mercy College graduates ($173 vs. $230).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mount Mercy College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 71%)

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.