Mercy Health Sciences University

Key Highlights

• Operating under the Mercy Health Sciences University name beginning in fall 2026
• Private, nonprofit Catholic institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• Institutional roots date to the Mercy Hospital Training School established in 1899
• Specialized primarily in healthcare and health sciences education

Student Life & Environment

Student life reflects Mercy’s compact, professionally focused environment. The Norkaitis Student Success Center provides tutoring, academic advising, writing support, disability services, academic counseling, personal teletherapy, and career services without an additional service charge. These resources may be especially useful in programs with fixed course sequences, clinical obligations, or preparation for professional licensing examinations. Students can participate in Student Senate and other clubs and organizations, including groups connected to academic disciplines, service, leadership, and community. Campus Ministry offers prayer, reflection, service, retreats, and pastoral guidance in the Sisters of Mercy tradition while stating that its programs welcome all faith backgrounds. This makes the Catholic mission visible in campus life without implying that participation or a particular religious affiliation is required. Mercy does not own or operate student housing. Nearby College Hill Apartments and other independently managed properties are presented as options, so students must contract directly with a landlord and evaluate rent, lease terms, furnishings, transportation, and utilities for themselves. Brennan Hall contains a self-checkout convenience store, but the university does not describe a conventional residential dining system. Overall, students should expect a small urban health-sciences community with support services and organized activities, but fewer residential amenities than a traditional campus-centered university.

Location & Surroundings

The university is located at 928 6th Avenue in central Des Moines. Its campus covers approximately 8.25 walkable acres between 5th Avenue and 7th Street, just south of Interstate 235. Downtown destinations and independently managed apartments are within the surrounding urban area, while the interstate provides access from suburbs such as Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Altoona. The setting places students near hospitals, healthcare employers, and clinical sites, an important consideration for programs built around practical education. Clinical assignments are not necessarily confined to the main campus, however, and students should ask their program about placement locations, early or late shifts, and transportation requirements. The institution provides free parking in designated campus surface lots. Campus buildings use badge-controlled access outside visitor hours, and security patrols operate during published periods. Because Mercy is not a self-contained residential campus, daily life is closely connected to Des Moines. Prospective students should compare commuting and independent housing costs rather than assume that room and board are bundled by the university. Students without a car should also verify public-transit practicality for both classes and off-campus clinical assignments before enrolling.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Mercy prices most programs by credit rather than publishing one universal annual tuition figure. For academic periods beginning from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, regular undergraduate tuition is $770 per attempted credit. The accelerated BSN rate is $810 per credit, RN-to-BSN is $436 per credit, and Medical Assisting and Paramedic tuition is $420 per credit. Graduate tuition is $441 per attempted credit. Program, laboratory, technology, clinical, testing, graduation, and other charges may apply, so students should calculate costs from their specific curriculum and the complete 2026–2027 fee appendix. These official rates supersede the record’s stored annual tuition figure for planning purposes, but that database value has not been altered. Mercy does not operate housing, so rent, utilities, food, and transportation depend on each student’s independent arrangements. Students seeking federal, state, or institutional aid should complete the FAFSA. University scholarships require admission and use separate application windows; for the remaining 2026–2027 academic-year terms, the published scholarship window is October 1–31, 2026. Eligibility and awards are not automatic. Career preparation is integrated into student support. The Norkaitis Student Success Center assists with résumés, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job fairs, and an online job board. The university also reports more than 150 clinical partners, with clinical and practicum rotations providing workplace exposure. Those relationships can support professional networking, but applicants should not treat a placement as a guarantee of employment, licensure, or a particular salary.