MMC Academic Calendar

Mount Mercy College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, which divides the academic year into two main terms: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. The Summer session, often used for accelerated courses or internships, runs from late May through July. A unique feature of Mount Mercy’s calendar is its emphasis on shorter, intensive modular terms within the semesters for certain programs, allowing for focused study and flexibility in scheduling.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (classes begin for the academic year).
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 (campus closed, no classes).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (extended break for students and faculty).
• Final Exams (Fall): December 15–19, 2025 (end of Fall semester assessments).
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (classes resume after winter break).
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (mid-semester break for students).
• Commencement: May 9, 2026 (graduation ceremony for completing students).

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 admission; non-binding, with decisions by mid-December 2024).
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (final deadline for Fall 2025; decisions by late March 2025).
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2025 (submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (confirm intent to enroll for Fall 2025).
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing).

The academic calendar at Mount Mercy College aligns closely with regional and national norms for universities in the Midwest, with semester start and end dates mirroring those of many peer institutions. Breaks such as Thanksgiving and Spring Break are scheduled around widely recognized holidays, ensuring compatibility for students and families. The calendar offers some flexibility for international students through optional Summer sessions and early application deadlines, though visa processing timelines may require additional planning. Additionally, the modular term structure within semesters provides unique scheduling options for students balancing academics with internships or research opportunities.