
928 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-1239, USA


Mercy College of Health Sciences provides a variety of athletic opportunities through its participation in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the North Star Athletic Association. The college's sports teams, known as the Mercy Mavericks, compete in several men's and women's sports, giving students the chance to engage in competitive athletics alongside their academic pursuits.
The men's athletic programs include basketball, golf, and soccer, while women's sports feature basketball, golf, soccer, and volleyball. This range allows students to pursue their interests in team sports as part of their college experience.
Beyond competition, Mercy College emphasizes the balance between athletics and academics, encouraging student-athletes to maintain strong performance in both areas. The college also provides resources such as coaching and athletic facilities to support its athletes' development and success.
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a variety of student groups and associations catering to diverse interests. These include the Student Senate, which provides a platform for student governance, and Campus Ministry, supporting spiritual needs on campus. For those interested in science, the Science Club presents opportunities to engage with scientific topics and peers. Nursing students can join the Mercy College Association of Nursing Students, focusing on professional development and networking within the nursing field. Additionally, Zeta Chi-At Large Chapter is available for students seeking fraternity involvement. Altogether, with a student population comprising 94 men and 367 women, these organizations contribute to the campus community and provide ways for students to connect beyond the classroom.
Mercy College of Health Sciences enrolls a diverse student body, with a total of 412 students at various stages of their academic journeys. Freshmen make up a smaller portion, numbering 81, which is considered low compared to similar institutions. Transfer students are more numerous, with 331 individuals, representing an average proportion within the college's community. Overall, the institution has an average-sized student population relative to comparable schools.
The college's undergraduate student age distribution reflects a mature student base. The largest groups are young adults in their early twenties, with 214 students aged 22 to 24 and 144 aged 20 to 21. However, a significant number of students are aged 25 and older, including 169 between 25 and 29, 105 in the 30 to 34 range, and 75 between 35 and 39. Even students in the 40 to 49 age bracket number 81, indicating that non-traditional students contribute notably to the campus community. Graduate students represent a very small portion, with only two individuals reported in the 40 to 49 category.
Ethnic diversity at Mercy College of Health Sciences shows a predominantly average representation across groups. White students form the largest demographic with 613 individuals, while African American (114) and Hispanic (102) students also contribute significant numbers. Other ethnic groups include Asian students (47), Native American students (8), and Pacific Islanders (2). A smaller number identify as belonging to two or more races (7) or have unknown ethnicity (12), further illustrating the varied backgrounds present among students.
Student life at Mercy College of Health Sciences is characterized by a focus on academic engagement rather than traditional campus activities. The college has a relatively small student body, with total enrollment around 907, placing it in the lower 30% of institutions by size. This smaller population contributes to a low student-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, which is notably low compared to many other colleges.
The campus environment does not include many common extracurricular outlets; for instance, there are no campus newspaper, drama, radio, band, chorus, or television organizations. Students seeking involvement in these types of activities might find the options limited.
On the support services front, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers psychological counseling for students, providing important mental health resources. Additionally, there is a veterans affairs office available, which can be a valuable resource for veteran students navigating their educational journey. However, there are no on-campus health clinics, legal services, or women's centers reported.
Students at Mercy College of Health Sciences have access to two libraries, including the main Mercy College Library and one other library, placing the institution in the top half nationally for the number of libraries available. The college's library resources reflect an average level, with collection sizes generally ranking in the lower percentiles compared to other institutions.
The Mercy College Library offers physical facilities and digital access, supported by trained staff and established operating hours. Study rooms are available to enhance students' learning environments, although the college does not provide all-day access.
Regarding collections, the college holds approximately 3,774 books, which positions it in the bottom 40% nationally, indicating a more modest physical collection size. Subscriptions number 77, and digital subscriptions total 17,830, both levels being somewhat limited and within the lower national percentiles for institutions of similar type. The number of eBooks available stands at 346,859, ranking in the bottom third of comparable colleges.
Additionally, students can utilize 22 databases, an offering that places the college near the median range for database access. Facilities also include access to shared collections, broadening the range of available resources beyond just those housed on campus.
Total enrollment
907Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
49Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
118 full time, 88 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Mercy College LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes