Carlow vs Mount Mercy
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Carlow UniversityPittsburgh, PACatholic collegeCFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Mount Mercy UniversityCedar Rapids, IACatholic college
At a glance
- Both are Mercy colleges.
- Carlow lists Mass once a week; Mount Mercy lists Mass 2 times a week.
- Carlow has the higher graduation rate: 60% against 58% at Mount Mercy.
- For families earning $48,001 to $75,000, Mount Mercy has the lower price after aid: $16,883 a year, against $19,517 at Carlow.
Catholic life
Faith grade
CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CFaith: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
CCompass Score: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CCompass Score: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Sacramental life
CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Theology and core curriculum
FTheology and core curriculum: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Campus culture and residence life
BCampus culture and residence life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CCampus culture and residence life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Service and Catholic social teaching
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
Once a week
2 times a week
Confession times
2 times a week
Eucharistic adoration
Once a week
Campus ministry
3 listed
3 listed
Religious order or tradition
Mercy
Mercy
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
City
City
Students
2,310
1,451
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
87%
83%
Average SAT
1080
Graduation rate
60%
58%
First-year retention
84%
73%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$20,786
$20,168
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$17,901
$17,070
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$15,748
$15,294
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$19,517
$16,883
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$21,601
$20,311
Net price, over $110,000 income
$25,214
$25,244
Median debt
$25,500
$23,699
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$51,051
$60,787
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.