At $18,225/yr net price, Maharishi International University graduates earn $27,981/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,225 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,981/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,019/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,781 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,774/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,627/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,730/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 | $51,091 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,498 |
The Risk Factor
17.6% of students at Maharishi International University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Maharishi International University presents a split financial picture where your major choice makes the difference between strong returns and financial struggle. The computer science program delivers strong value with graduates earning $94,408 annually, making it one of the highest-paying programs at any small private college despite the $51,091 debt load.
Your biggest risk at MIU is choosing the wrong program. Communication and media studies graduates earn just $18,498 annually, creating a severe debt-to-income mismatch that makes loan repayment nearly impossible. The 17.6% graduation rate signals that most students never complete their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential.
MIU works financially if you can complete the computer science program and handle the school's unique meditation-based curriculum structure. The 65% retention rate means one-third of students transfer out after freshman year, often due to the unconventional academic approach rather than financial issues alone.
You should consider MIU if you want computer science training in a small, alternative environment and can commit to the full program. The relatively low net price of $18,225 makes the computer science ROI even stronger compared to similar programs at traditional private colleges.
Skip MIU if you plan to study anything other than computer science or if you need a conventional college experience. The meditation requirements and unique scheduling may not suit students who struggle with non-traditional learning environments, contributing to the low completion rates that make this investment particularly risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maharishi International University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
The value depends entirely on your major. Computer science graduates earn $94,408 annually, making the $18,225 yearly cost worthwhile. However, other programs like communication studies lead to much lower earnings of $18,498, creating poor return on investment.
What is the graduation rate at Maharishi International University and does it affect ROI?
Only 17.6% of students graduate, which is extremely low compared to national averages. This dramatically reduces your chances of seeing any return on investment, regardless of program quality.
How much student debt do Maharishi International University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,781, which is manageable for computer science graduates but problematic for other majors. With average earnings of $27,981 across all programs, many graduates will struggle with loan payments.
Which programs at Maharishi International University offer the best financial returns?
Computer science is the only program with strong ROI, producing graduates who earn $94,408 annually. Other tracked programs show significantly lower earnings that may not justify the cost and time investment.