Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
75
Optimistic
75
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,309/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #600 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $709K $708K $635K
Earnings Multiple 10.2x 10.2x 9.2x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 75 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$69,312
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,668
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,132
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $66,309/yr, Nursing graduates from Mercy College of Health Sciences land near the $75,273 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #600 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Mercy College of Health Sciences in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $66,309 to $73,132 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Mercy College of Health Sciences

With 99% of applicants admitted, Mercy College of Health Sciences prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 905 students in Des Moines, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercy College of Health Sciences →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
At 75/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →