Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Des Moines, Iowa
98.8% Acceptance Rate
Mercy College of Health Sciences — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
98.8%Acceptance Rate
3.12Avg GPA
$30,844Annual Cost
$62,234Grad Salary
33.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
98.8%
Avg GPA
3.12
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
33.9% receive Pell
Mercy College of Health Sciences Acceptance Rate
Mercy College of Health Sciences maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 98.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 98.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.12 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.92 – 3.11
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.67
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Mercy College of Health Sciences GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Mercy College of Health Sciences is 3.12. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.32-3.52 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.82 and 3.12, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Mercy College of Health Sciences GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Mercy College of Health Sciences utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.12, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.12 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.92 – 3.11
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.72 – 2.91
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.71
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Mercy College of Health Sciences, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Mercy College of Health Sciences
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Mercy College of Health Sciences's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Mercy College of Health Sciences Without SAT or ACT?
Mercy College of Health Sciences considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Mercy College of Health Sciences
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Mercy College of Health Sciences provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Mercy College of Health Sciences that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Profile
Full Name
Mercy College of Health Sciences
City
Des Moines
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
50309-1239
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Mercy College of Health Sciences Degree Worth It?
Getting into Mercy College of Health Sciences can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Mercy College of Health Sciences is $62,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.71%.
How much does a degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Mercy College of Health Sciences is $30,844. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Mercy College of Health Sciences is much less than this.
33.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 63.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Mercy College of Health Sciences and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Mercy College of Health Sciences, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Mercy College of Health Sciences as your choice in the form.
How much does a Mercy College of Health Sciences Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $62,234. An average Mercy College of Health Sciences graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Mercy College of Health Sciences
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Mercy College of Health Sciences →
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercy College of Health Sciences Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62,234 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $30,844 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
33.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Mercy College of Health Sciences is 98.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.12. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.82, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.82, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.72 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.12, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.