About Marian University
Marian University built its reputation on nursing education and Catholic values in Indianapolis. The school enrolls 2,336 students who benefit from small classes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 94% of applicants get accepted, making admission accessible for students seeking personalized attention in a faith-based environment.
Students pay an average net price of $23,594 after financial aid, well below the $39,100 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The investment pays off with a 98.3% employment rate, though only 61% of students complete their degree within six years.
The Knights compete in 24 varsity sports with 834 total athletes receiving over $11 million in athletic scholarships. Women outnumber men 60% to 36% on campus. The student body is 56% White, 18% Black, and 13% Hispanic, with most students staying close to home since 84% come from Indiana. Campus housing accommodates 1,204 students, creating a tight-knit community where 77% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $23,594 after financial aid, well below the $39,100 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The investment pays off with a 98.3% employment rate, though only 61% of students complete their degree within six years.
The Knights compete in 24 varsity sports with 834 total athletes receiving over $11 million in athletic scholarships. Women outnumber men 60% to 36% on campus. The student body is 56% White, 18% Black, and 13% Hispanic, with most students staying close to home since 84% come from Indiana. Campus housing accommodates 1,204 students, creating a tight-knit community where 77% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Marian University has built its reputation around nursing education, consistently ranking among Indiana's top programs for preparing registered nurses. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate learning environments where professors know students by name. With 62% of students graduating in four years, the university demonstrates solid academic support despite serving a diverse student body that includes many first-generation college students. The Catholic institution emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical partnerships with Indianapolis hospitals. Beyond nursing, Marian offers strong programs in business and education. Small class sizes mean students receive personalized attention from faculty who balance teaching with mentorship. The university's focus on practical skills preparation shows in its 98.3% employment rate for graduates.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.9%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,759
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,464 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,595 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,383 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,590 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,808 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
Campus Life
Marian's compact campus sits in the heart of Indianapolis, putting downtown attractions just minutes away. With housing capacity for 1,204 students and total enrollment of 2,336, about half the student body lives on campus. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat for Indianapolis winters, where snow and freezing temperatures are common from December through February.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, especially in the university's signature nursing program. With 60% women and strong Catholic traditions, campus life centers around service and community involvement. The Knights compete in 24 varsity sports with 834 total athletes, creating a spirited athletic culture despite the NJCAA level. Weekend activities often blend campus events with Indianapolis offerings, from downtown festivals to Pacers games. The 83.91% in-state student population creates a tight-knit Indiana community feel. Mass and other Catholic traditions anchor campus life, though students of all backgrounds attend this diverse university where 17.64% of students are Black and 13.10% are Hispanic.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, especially in the university's signature nursing program. With 60% women and strong Catholic traditions, campus life centers around service and community involvement. The Knights compete in 24 varsity sports with 834 total athletes, creating a spirited athletic culture despite the NJCAA level. Weekend activities often blend campus events with Indianapolis offerings, from downtown festivals to Pacers games. The 83.91% in-state student population creates a tight-knit Indiana community feel. Mass and other Catholic traditions anchor campus life, though students of all backgrounds attend this diverse university where 17.64% of students are Black and 13.10% are Hispanic.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,204 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.2"
Student Demographics
Marian draws heavily from Indiana, with 84% of students staying close to home for this Catholic education. The student body leans female at 60%, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences. Students come from diverse backgrounds, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment that mirrors Indianapolis's demographics. Most families earn modest incomes, as nearly a quarter receive Pell Grants. The local draw suggests Marian serves as an accessible pathway to Catholic higher education for Indianapolis-area families seeking career-focused programs like nursing.
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 56.3%
- Black
- 17.6%
- Hispanic
- 13.1%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 83.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.1%
Location
Marian University sits in Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city in Indiana. With 2,336 students, the campus operates within a major metropolitan area of nearly 2 million people. Indianapolis offers extensive internship opportunities in healthcare, business, and nonprofit sectors that align with the university's Catholic mission. The city's downtown core lies just minutes from campus, providing access to professional sports venues, cultural attractions, and a growing tech industry. Students benefit from urban amenities while attending a close-knit institution where 83.91% of students come from Indiana. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Marian University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Indianapolis, Indiana 46222-1997
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,759
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,193
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Marian University?
Marian University accepts 93.84% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking admission. The Catholic institution focuses on providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, with 83.91% of students coming from Indiana.
How much does Marian University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,594 annually after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $39,100. The university provides institutional grants averaging $28,963 to 20.25% of students, helping make education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Marian University?
Marian University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,336 students. The school is known for its nursing program and emphasis on small class sizes that allow for personalized attention.
What are the job prospects for Marian University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 98.3% employment rate and earn a median salary of $58,759 ten years after graduation. The 60.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on supporting students through completion.
Where do students live at Marian University?
The campus housing capacity serves 1,204 students in Indianapolis's large city setting. Room and board costs $13,200 annually, contributing to a total attendance cost of $53,500.
How strong is athletics at Marian University?
Marian University fields 24 varsity sports teams with 834 total athletes competing as the Knights in NJCAA competition. The university invests $11,407,204 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant commitment to sports programs.
