Marian University-Ancilla: 95.2% Acceptance Rate

95.2%Acceptance

$19,850Tuition

217Students

$58,759Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCCAAData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Marian University-Ancilla

This small Catholic university serves just 217 students on a rural campus in northern Indiana. Marian University-Ancilla maintains the close-knit feel of a seminary school, which reflects its origins as a training ground for religious vocations. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. With a 95% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students who might struggle to find their footing at larger institutions.

The financial picture tells a story of accessible education with reasonable outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $25,172 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years out. That puts the typical monthly loan payment at $286 for the $27,000 in median debt. About 51% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students. The 98% employment rate suggests graduates find work, even if earnings start modestly.

The biggest red flag is the 44% retention rate, meaning more than half of freshmen don't return for sophomore year. This could signal academic struggles or poor campus fit. The athletic program offers 13 varsity sports for 147 student-athletes, creating opportunities for walk-ons at the NCCAA level. With housing for 190 students, most live on the small campus.

Academics & Faculty

Marian University-Ancilla operates as a small Catholic liberal arts college with just 217 students creating an intimate academic environment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name and provide personalized attention rarely found at larger institutions. However, the 43.75% retention rate suggests many students struggle to adjust to the rural setting or find their academic fit. The college emphasizes practical, career-focused programs rather than traditional liberal arts theory. With 98.3% of graduates finding employment, the school clearly connects students to job opportunities. Class sizes average fewer than 20 students, allowing for discussion-based learning and close mentoring relationships with faculty members.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.0%
Retention Rate: 43.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,759

Campus Life

The 217 students at this small Catholic campus experience intimate college life in rural Indiana farmland. With housing for just 190 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community. Plymouth sits about 30 miles south of South Bend, placing students an hour from any major city. Winters here demand heavy coats and snow boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. With 147 athletes competing across 13 varsity sports in the NCCAA, athletic events anchor weekend social life. The Roman Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and daily rhythms through chapel services and service learning. Students often gather in small groups for study sessions or intramural activities given the limited off-campus entertainment options. The rural setting creates a close community where the 43.75% retention rate reflects both the challenges of small-town life and the bonds students form. Most socializing happens on campus through residence hall activities, athletic events, and faith-based programming that defines the Marian experience.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 190 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–31°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 82.0"
Annual Snowfall: -697.8"

Student Demographics

This small Catholic college draws students who need affordable access to higher education. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. The student body is 58% white with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, typical for many liberal arts-focused institutions. With just 217 students total, everyone knows each other on this rural Indiana campus. The diverse mix creates a tight-knit community where students from different backgrounds come together around shared values of service and faith.

Men: 46.1%
Women: 53.9%
White: 57.6%
Black: 20.3%
Hispanic: 12.0%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 50.7%

Location

Plymouth sits in northern Indiana, about 30 miles south of South Bend and roughly 100 miles southeast of Chicago. This rural farming community of around 10,000 residents offers a small-town atmosphere surrounded by agricultural land and lakes. The campus sits on 100 acres in Marshall County, where students experience true rural college life with easy access to outdoor recreation at nearby lakes. The town provides basic amenities but limited entertainment options typical of rural settings. With just 217 students enrolled, the college creates an intimate environment where everyone knows each other. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Marian University-Ancilla with similar schools in the region.

Address: Plymouth, Indiana 46563-9475

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-Ancilla?

Marian University-Ancilla accepts 95.18% of applicants, making admission very accessible for most students. This Catholic institution in rural Indiana serves just 217 students total. However, only 43.75% of first-year students return for their second year, indicating significant challenges with retention.

How much does Marian University-Ancilla cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,172 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Over half of students (50.66%) receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial population from lower-income families. The total cost of attendance reaches $30,500 before aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Marian University-Ancilla?

The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing very small class sizes and personal attention from professors. This intimate academic environment serves the school's mission as a Catholic liberal arts institution. With only 217 total students, every student can expect to know their professors personally.

How much do graduates earn after attending Marian University-Ancilla?

Graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years after graduation, with strong employment rates of 98.3%. The school prepares students for immediate workforce entry, as evidenced by solid first-year earnings of $61,718. Monthly loan payments average $286, reflecting the median debt load of $27,000.

Where is Marian University-Ancilla located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Plymouth, Indiana, in a rural-distant setting that offers a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity is 190 students, accommodating most of the 217 total enrollment on campus. The rural location provides a peaceful environment for focused academic study away from urban distractions.

Does Marian University-Ancilla have strong athletics programs?

The school offers 13 varsity sports through NCCAA competition, with 147 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $555,020, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs. With nearly 68% of students participating in athletics, sports play a central role in campus culture and student life.