University of Dubuque vs Mercy College of Health Sciences
BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| University of Dubuque Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Mercy College of Health Sciences Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | BSN | BSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Dubuque, IA | Des Moines, IA |
| Length | 48 months | 48 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 100%BEST | 91.9% |
| Acceptance rate | 86.9% | 98.8%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $40,065 | $17,328BEST |
| In-state tuition | $40,065 | $17,328BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,065 | $17,328BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of Dubuque or Mercy College of Health Sciences?
University of Dubuque's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 100%, compared to 91.9% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, University of Dubuque or Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the more affordable option at roughly $17,328, compared to $40,065. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are University of Dubuque and Mercy College of Health Sciences the same type of program?
Both are BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between University of Dubuque and Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.