Mercy College of Health Sciences vs. Park University

Comparable Facts

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

Park University is larger than Mercy College of Health Sciences based on total student enrollment (5,736 students vs. 869 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Park University is in Parkville, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercy College of Health Sciences 7:1; Park University 13:1.

Mercy College of Health Sciences vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercy College of Health Sciences or Park University? 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 Park University than Mercy College of Health Sciences ($19,519 vs. $28,313).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 8.1% lower than at Mercy College of Health Sciences ($9,190 vs. $10,000).
• Mercy College of Health Sciences is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Park University (about $164 more per year; $17,664.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Mercy College of Health Sciences than at Park University (about $164 more per year; $17,664.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Park University than at Mercy College of Health Sciences (93% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Park University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Mercy College of Health Sciences students ($9,820 vs. $8,276).

Mercy College of Health Sciences vs. Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercy College of Health Sciences or Park University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Park University and Mercy College of Health Sciences.

• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Mercy College of Health Sciences 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercy College of Health Sciences - Test optional; Park University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Park University Aug 1, 2027.

Mercy College of Health Sciences vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercy College of Health Sciences and Park University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Park University's six-year graduation rate is 39%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Mercy College of Health Sciences.
• Graduates from Park University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Park University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates ($19,500 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Park University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates ($201 vs. $206).
• More Mercy College of Health Sciences graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Park University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 52%)

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.