Business/Commerce, General at Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
63
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,572/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #127 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Commerce, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $607K $597K $541K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 63 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$156,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,740
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,708
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,914
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $57,572/yr, edging above the $48,211 national average for Business/Commerce, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Commerce, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,708 in median debt against $57,572 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #127 ranking among 242 Business/Commerce, General programs places Mount Mercy University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $57,572 to $69,914 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,135 in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average net cost of $93,740 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mount Mercy University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Commerce, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mount Mercy University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Commerce, General at Mount Mercy University?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business/Commerce, General is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business/Commerce, General at Mount Mercy University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →