Mercy College of Health Sciences

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Mercy College of Health Sciences centers on building a supportive community of future healthcare professionals who encourage one another through demanding academic programs. While the college emphasizes academic preparation, students find numerous opportunities for engagement and personal growth beyond the classroom. Student organizations related to specific healthcare fields allow students to explore professional interests, engage in service projects, and develop leadership skills. The Student Government Association provides opportunities for students to contribute to campus governance and advocate for their peers. The college's Catholic identity and Mercy heritage create a welcoming, values-driven atmosphere where students from all backgrounds find support for their personal and professional development. Campus Ministry offers spiritual programming, reflection opportunities, and service experiences that nurture students' inner lives while preparing them for the emotional demands of healthcare careers. The urban Des Moines location provides access to cultural events, dining, entertainment, and recreation without requiring vehicle ownership. Many students balance their studies with work in healthcare settings, gaining valuable experience while earning income. The close-knit student body forms study groups and support networks that help navigate challenging coursework, with many students developing lifelong professional connections and friendships.

Location & Surroundings

Mercy College of Health Sciences occupies an urban campus in Des Moines, the capital and largest city of Iowa, providing students with access to a thriving healthcare ecosystem and metropolitan amenities. The college's location adjacent to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center creates seamless integration between classroom education and clinical training, with students often walking directly from campus to clinical rotations. Des Moines has emerged as a vibrant, affordable city consistently ranked among America's best places to live, offering the cultural attractions, dining diversity, and entertainment options of a major metropolitan area while maintaining midwestern friendliness and reasonable living costs. The city's growing population and economic vitality have expanded healthcare needs, creating abundant opportunities for clinical experiences and eventual employment. Iowa's healthcare sector faces workforce shortages that ensure strong demand for well-prepared graduates from Mercy College. The downtown Des Moines location provides easy access via public transportation, and students benefit from the city's safe, walkable neighborhoods. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer festivals, fall foliage, winter sports, and spring renewal creating variety throughout the academic year. Students from across Iowa and beyond discover Des Moines offers an excellent quality of life that often surprises those unfamiliar with the city's many attractions.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Mercy College of Health Sciences strives to make healthcare education accessible and affordable while preparing graduates for well-compensated careers in high-demand fields. The college's tuition rates remain competitive with regional institutions, and the focused curriculum means students can complete programs efficiently without excessive general education requirements that extend time to degree. Financial aid packages combining federal aid, state grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities help most students manage educational costs. The college participates in workforce development programs and healthcare employer partnerships that provide tuition assistance for employees pursuing credentials. Many students work part-time in healthcare settings while studying, gaining experience and income simultaneously. The return on investment for Mercy College graduates is strong, as healthcare careers offer job security, competitive salaries, and advancement opportunities. Nursing graduates, in particular, enter a field with persistent demand and above-average compensation. The career services office assists students with resume development, interview preparation, and job placement, though many graduates receive offers directly from clinical sites where they trained. The college's deep relationships with MercyOne and other regional healthcare employers create direct pathways to employment. Alumni networks connect graduates with mentoring and advancement opportunities throughout their careers.

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