Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa Lakes Community College vs Mount Mercy University
Compare average net price ($13,933 at Iowa Lakes Community College; $20,168 at Mount Mercy University), ROI score (7.73 vs 7.54), ten-year median earnings ($43,108 vs $60,787), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Iowa Lakes Community College; 82.5% at Mount Mercy University) using federal College Scorecard data. Iowa Lakes Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Iowa Lakes Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Iowa Lakes Community College | Mount Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.73 ✓ | 7.54 |
| Avg net price | $13,933 ✓ | $20,168 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,108 | $60,787 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 82.5% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 57.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $23,699 |
| Enrollment | 941 | 1,107 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Mount Mercy University costs $6,235 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($20,168 vs $13,933). Mount Mercy University graduates report $17,679 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,787 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts Iowa Lakes Community College ahead on projected ROI (7.73 vs 7.54, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Iowa Lakes Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Mount Mercy University reports 82.5% acceptance; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa Lakes Community College vs Mount Mercy University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa Lakes Community College or Mount Mercy University the better value?
Iowa Lakes Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.73 vs 7.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Lakes Community College is cheaper — average net price $13,933 per year vs $20,168 at Mount Mercy University. The annual difference of $6,235 adds up to about $24,940 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Mount Mercy University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,787 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,679.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Iowa Lakes Community College reports a B value grade; Mount Mercy University reports B.