At $23,069/yr net price, Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates earn $59,986/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,986/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,069 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,276 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,986/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,986/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,803/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,267/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,962/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,229/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $114,892 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,512 | $57,924 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $88,198 | |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $69,338 | $38,063 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,326 | $45,114 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $66,155 | $49,408 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,353 | $19,271 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,534 | $36,118 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $55,840 | $28,125 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $54,331 | $43,694 |
The Risk Factor
66.3% of students at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion delivers strong financial returns for specific career paths but leaves other majors struggling. The nursing programs stand out dramatically, with graduates earning $115,000 and $99,000 annually, making this one of the better nursing investments in the region despite higher debt loads reaching $58,000.
Business administration shows mixed results at IWU-Marion. The top-earning business graduates reach $88,000, but others earn just $66,000 while carrying $45,000 in debt. This wide variation suggests program quality or career services support differs significantly within the business school.
You face real financial risk if you choose majors outside nursing or top-tier business tracks. The overall median earnings of $60,000 indicates many programs leave graduates with modest incomes relative to the $23,000 annual net price. The 66% graduation rate means one in three students never finish, making debt without a degree a significant concern.
Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify but struggle with the full cost. Your best strategy involves targeting merit scholarships or considering whether the nursing program justifies the investment.
IWU-Marion works financially if you can gain admission to nursing or excel in business administration. The school makes little financial sense for other majors unless you receive substantial merit aid. Indiana's job market provides decent opportunities for nursing graduates, but other fields may require relocation to maximize your investment return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion worth the cost?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion can be worth it if you pursue nursing, which pays $98,000-$115,000 after graduation. Other programs show weaker returns, with business majors earning $66,000-$88,000 against a $23,000 annual cost.
What are the best paying majors at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?
Nursing programs at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $98,000-$115,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn $66,000-$88,000, while bioethics majors average $69,000.
How much debt do students graduate with from Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion graduates carry a median debt of $24,250. With 10-year earnings averaging $60,000 across all programs, debt levels are manageable for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion?
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion has a 66% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. This means one in three students who start here don't finish their degree.