National Louis University vs. Mount Mercy College

Comparable Facts

Compare National Louis University in Chicago, IL with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

National Louis University is larger than Mount Mercy College based on total student enrollment (8,915 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National Louis University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Mount Mercy University is in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting).
• National Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National Louis University 17:1; Mount Mercy University 14:1.

National Louis University vs. Mount Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National Louis University or Mount Mercy College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at National Louis University than Mount Mercy College ($13,150 vs. $24,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Mercy University are 21.1% lower than at National Louis University ($11,600 vs. $14,700).
• Mount Mercy University is 221.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than National Louis University (about $28,173 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 221.7% higher at Mount Mercy College than at National Louis University (about $28,173 more per year; $40,878.00 vs. $12,705.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mount Mercy University than at National Louis University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Mercy University students is 178% larger than aid received by National Louis University students ($30,735 vs. $11,056).

National Louis University vs. Mount Mercy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National Louis University 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 National Louis University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National Louis University - Test-free; Mount Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mount Mercy College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mount Mercy College students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at National Louis University (2.8).
• National Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (95.1%) than Mount Mercy College (82.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at National Louis University vs. 27.9% at Mount Mercy College.

National Louis University vs. Mount Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National Louis University 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 National Louis University's (26%).
• Graduates from National Louis University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Mount Mercy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, National Louis University graduates have a $2,413 lower median loan debt than Mount Mercy College graduates ($19,837 vs. $22,250).
• Among borrowers, National Louis University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mount Mercy College graduates ($205 vs. $230).
• More Mount Mercy College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National Louis University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 44%)

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.