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64.8%Acceptance
$27,360Tuition
1,637Students
58%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,058Earnings
#11 in MichiganPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Madonna University

Madonna University builds its reputation on nursing, social work, and education programs that prepare students for service-oriented careers. This Catholic institution enrolls 1,637 students in suburban Livonia, creating a close-knit community where personal attention drives student success. The university's Franciscan values shape campus culture, emphasizing compassion and social justice in both academics and student life. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and mentor them through rigorous professional programs.

Students pay an average net price of $17,815 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $27,360. Graduates earn a median of $59,058 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,000 manageable for most career paths. The monthly loan payment of $244 represents a reasonable investment for degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare and education. Low-income families pay just $10,809 net price, making quality Catholic education accessible across economic backgrounds.

Women comprise 63.53% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated professions. The Crusaders compete in 22 NAIA sports with 675 total athletes, creating a active campus atmosphere despite the small size. A 96.4% employment rate demonstrates that Madonna's career-focused approach delivers results for graduates.

Academics & Faculty

Madonna University operates as a Catholic institution with strong roots in nursing and health sciences education. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students by name. About 54% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the hands-on support available in smaller programs. The university built its reputation around nursing education, training healthcare professionals for the Detroit metropolitan area. Business and education programs also draw significant enrollment. Students benefit from clinical partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare systems. The Catholic mission emphasizes service learning across disciplines. With 1,637 total students, academic programs maintain close mentorship relationships that larger universities cannot replicate.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
30.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
58.1%
Retention Rate
71.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,058
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $95,591
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $59,066
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $52,941
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $41,342
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $38,289
Legal Support Services. Bachelor $27,439

View all 192 programs →

Campus Life

Madonna University sits in suburban Livonia, just 20 miles west of downtown Detroit. With only 526 beds for 1,637 students, about one-third of undergraduates live on campus while most commute from the metro area. Michigan winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while fall and spring offer pleasant temperatures for walking between classes.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Women make up 63.53% of the student body, giving the campus a collaborative rather than competitive feel. The school's Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and campus ministry programs, though students of all backgrounds attend. With 22 varsity sports and 675 total athletes, nearly half the student body participates in athletics at the NAIA level. Weekends often center around Crusaders games or trips into Detroit for professional sports, concerts, and cultural events. The commuter-heavy population means campus quiets down on weekends as many students head home or explore the broader Detroit metropolitan area.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
526 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1937

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 5 2 0 0
Burglary 3 3 0 0
Rape 1 1 1 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–30°F
July Avg
59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
33.0"
Annual Snowfall
36.0"

Student Demographics

Madonna University draws primarily from Michigan, with nearly nine in ten students staying close to home for their Catholic education. The student body reflects the diverse communities of southeastern Michigan, creating a multicultural campus environment. Women outnumber men, which aligns with the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing, education, and social work. About three in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing Madonna's commitment to serving working-class families. The Felician Sisters' founding mission of accessible Catholic education remains evident in today's student demographics.
Men
36.5%
Women
63.5%
White
62.9%
Black
13.7%
Hispanic
5.3%
Asian
3.2%
In-State Students
87.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.5%

Location

Madonna University sits in Livonia, Michigan, about 20 miles west of Detroit. The campus occupies 49 acres in this suburban community of roughly 95,000 residents. Livonia ranks as one of Michigan's safest cities and offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Students can reach downtown Detroit in 30 minutes for internships, cultural events, and professional sports. The location provides access to Michigan's automotive industry center while maintaining a quieter suburban feel. Nearly 88% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional draw. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Madonna University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Livonia, Michigan 48150-1176

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,058
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,769
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,700
Loan Repayment Rate
48.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Madonna University?

Madonna University accepts 64.84% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. This Catholic institution founded in 1937 by the Felician Sisters emphasizes personalized education with its strong emphasis on service and social justice.

How much does Madonna University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $17,815, lower than the $27,360 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,809 on average, reflecting the university's commitment to making Catholic education accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Madonna University?

Madonna University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,637 total students. The small size allows for close mentorship relationships and reflects the Felician tradition of individualized attention in education.

What are the employment outcomes for Madonna University graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate with median earnings of $59,058 ten years after graduation. The university's strong ties to Detroit-area healthcare systems and businesses help students transition into careers, though the 58.10% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees.

Where is Madonna University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Livonia, Michigan, a small city in the Detroit metropolitan area, with housing for 526 students. About 87.54% of students come from Michigan, creating a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Catholic universities.

How strong are athletics at Madonna University?

The Crusaders compete in NAIA with 22 varsity sports and 675 total athletes participating. The university awards $1,887,849 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs for a school of its size.