Head-to-head · 2026
Mount Mercy University vs St Luke's College
Compare average net price ($20,168 at Mount Mercy University; $19,820 at St Luke's College), ROI score (7.54 vs 7.70), ten-year median earnings ($60,787 vs $61,033), and admissions selectivity (82.5% acceptance at Mount Mercy University; 80% at St Luke's College) using federal College Scorecard data. St Luke's College has a 6-0 metric-level edge. St Luke's College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Mount Mercy University | St Luke's College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.54 | 7.70 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,168 | $19,820 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,787 | $61,033 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 82.5% | 80% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 57.7% | 100% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,699 | $15,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,107 | 167 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 980 |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Mount Mercy University costs $348 more per year than St Luke's College ($20,168 vs $19,820). St Luke's College graduates report $246 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,033 vs $60,787). On EduGradify's model that puts St Luke's College ahead on projected ROI (7.70 vs 7.54, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (St Luke's College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Mount Mercy University is accessible at 82.5% acceptance versus 80% (accessible) at St Luke's College.
Frequently asked
Mount Mercy University vs St Luke's College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Mount Mercy University or St Luke's College the better value?
St Luke's College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.70 vs 7.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
St Luke's College is cheaper — average net price $19,820 per year vs $20,168 at Mount Mercy University. The annual difference of $348 adds up to about $1,392 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
St Luke's College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,033 vs $60,787 at Mount Mercy University. The annual gap in the federal data is $246.
Which school is harder to get into?
St Luke's College is more selective at 80% acceptance vs 82.5% at Mount Mercy University.
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. Mount Mercy University reports a B value grade; St Luke's College reports B.