About Maharishi International University
The financial picture presents challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. While tuition costs $16,530 annually, the average net price reaches $18,225 after factoring in room and board. Graduates earn a median of $27,981 ten years after leaving school, which creates difficulty in managing the typical debt load of $24,781. Monthly loan payments average $263, representing a significant portion of early-career income for many alumni.
The student body composition tells an important story about who thrives here. Women make up 78% of enrollment, suggesting the meditation-focused curriculum particularly appeals to female students. However, the 18% six-year graduation rate and 65% retention rate indicate that this unconventional educational model doesn't work for everyone. Students considering Maharishi should carefully evaluate whether the unique meditation-based approach aligns with their learning style and career goals.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.6%
- Retention Rate
- 65.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $27,981
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,498 |
Campus Life
Students experience Iowa's full four seasons, bundling up for snowy winters and enjoying warm summers. Only 3% of students come from Iowa, creating a diverse community where 78% are women. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Weekends often center around campus activities since Fairfield is remote, though the town has embraced the university's alternative culture with organic cafes and meditation centers. The campus follows a semester system with an emphasis on consciousness-based education. Students either fully embrace the meditation-focused lifestyle or find it challenging to adjust to. The employment rate hits 85%, though median earnings of $28,000 ten years post-graduation reflect the school's focus on personal development over traditional career outcomes.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 906 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1971
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 22.4%
- Women
- 77.7%
- White
- 44.7%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 10.2%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 3.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 55.2%
Location
- Address
- Fairfield, Iowa 52557
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $27,981
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $32,465
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $22,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,781
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Maharishi International University?
Maharishi International University accepts 94.29% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The school draws students specifically interested in its unique integration of Transcendental Meditation with traditional academics.
How much does Maharishi International University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,225 annually. The university charges the same $16,530 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its focus on attracting meditation practitioners from across the country.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Maharishi International University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 774 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention within the school's consciousness-based education model that incorporates meditation into daily academic life.
How do graduates of Maharishi International University perform financially?
Alumni earn a median salary of $27,981 ten years after graduation. The university's unique focus on consciousness-based education and meditation attracts students seeking alternative approaches to learning rather than traditional career outcomes.
Where is Maharishi International University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Fairfield, Iowa, with housing capacity for 906 students despite having only 774 enrolled. The remote town setting supports the school's emphasis on meditation practice and consciousness-based living away from urban distractions.
Does Maharishi International University have good retention rates?
Only 65% of students return for their second year, and just 17.6% graduate within six years. These low rates reflect the specialized nature of the consciousness-based curriculum, which appeals to a specific subset of students committed to the meditation-centered lifestyle.
