Academic Comparison between ISU and Mount Mercy

Iowa State University and Mount Mercy University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. ISU is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA and Mount Mercy is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • ISU is a public and Mount Mercy is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mount Mercy has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,878) than ISU ($28,881).
  • It is harder to admit to Mount Mercy than ISU.
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while Mount Mercy has 1,417 students.
  • Mount Mercy has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while Mount Mercy has 71 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Mount Mercy University
Ames, IowaLocationCedar Rapids, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees$40,878
73%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$27,661
88.66 %Acceptance Rates82.52 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.94 %
1,250SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
75 %Graduation Rate58 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
88 %Retention Rate73 %
30,380Student Population1,417
1,432Number of Faculties71
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services