At $17,815/yr net price, Madonna University graduates earn $59,058/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,058/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,815 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,058/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,058/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,809/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,979/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,806/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,017/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,909/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. | Master | $95,591 | $50,187 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,066 | $24,943 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,941 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $13,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $24,550 |
| Legal Support Services. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
The Risk Factor
58.1% of students at Madonna University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Madonna University delivers mixed financial returns, with your career outcome heavily dependent on your major choice. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, generating median earnings near $96,000 annually, though you'll carry higher debt loads of around $50,000 to reach those salaries.
Criminal justice represents the best debt-to-income ratio at this school, with graduates earning $41,342 while carrying just $13,750 in debt. Business administration graduates face a tougher financial picture, earning $38,289 against $24,550 in debt. The 58% graduation rate signals academic and financial risk, particularly if you're unsure about your major or struggle with college-level coursework.
Your financial aid prospects are limited here, with only 30% of students receiving aid. This makes Madonna University primarily suitable for families who can afford the $17,815 net price without significant borrowing, or students confident they can complete a high-earning program like nursing.
You should consider Madonna if you're committed to nursing and can handle the program's demands, or if you want to study criminal justice at a smaller scale than state universities offer. Skip this school if you're exploring lower-paying majors, need substantial financial aid, or lack clear career direction. The combination of modest aid availability and below-average graduation rates makes Madonna financially risky for undecided students or those considering programs outside nursing and criminal justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madonna University worth the cost?
Madonna University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries that justify the cost, but other programs like business and criminal justice show weaker returns given the $23,000 median debt load.
What are the best paying majors at Madonna University?
Nursing programs at Madonna University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $95,000 annually. Educational administration ($52,941) and criminal justice ($41,342) provide more modest returns.
How much debt do Madonna University students typically graduate with?
Madonna University students graduate with a median debt of $23,000. This is manageable for nursing majors who earn high salaries, but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Madonna University have good job placement after graduation?
Madonna University's 58% graduation rate is below average, which raises concerns about student success. The school's nursing programs have strong career prospects, but outcomes vary significantly across other majors.