Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Mount Mercy University vs Northwestern College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Orange City, IA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Mount Mercy UniversityNorthwestern College
Acceptance Rate78.8%87.0%
In-State Tuition$39,070$35,300
Out-of-State Tuition$39,070$35,300
Average Net Price$13,733$12,791
Graduation Rate56.0%64.0%

GradFax Analysis

Mount Mercy University accepts 78.8% of applicants. Northwestern College accepts 87.0%. Mount Mercy University's tuition is $39,070. Northwestern College's is $35,300. Northwestern College is cheaper. Mount Mercy University graduates 56% of students in 6 years. Northwestern College graduates 64%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Mount Mercy University profileNorthwestern College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Mount Mercy University or Northwestern College?

Mount Mercy University. It accepts 78.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Mount Mercy University or Northwestern College more affordable?

Northwestern College has lower published tuition: $35,300 versus $39,070. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Northwestern College: 64% of students finish in 6 years. Mount Mercy University is at 56%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Mount Mercy University vs Northwestern College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax