At $25,172/yr net price, Marian University-Ancilla graduates earn $58,759/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,759/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,172 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,759/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,759/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,094/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,286/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,010/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,673/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,364/yr |
Analysis
Marian University-Ancilla delivers below-average financial returns with a 43.75% retention rate that signals serious problems with student satisfaction and academic success. The median debt of $27,000 paired with $58,759 in median earnings creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio, but the low retention rate means many students leave without completing their degrees.
Your biggest risk at Ancilla is not finishing your program. When nearly 60% of students don't return for their second year, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. This makes Ancilla particularly dangerous for students who need significant academic support or aren't completely certain about their major choice.
The school works best for highly motivated students who know exactly what they want to study and can succeed with minimal institutional support. If you need extensive advising, tutoring, or a strong campus community to stay engaged, the low retention rate suggests Ancilla may not provide adequate support systems.
With only 50.66% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited compared to similar private colleges. Your net price of $25,172 annually puts total costs around $100,000 for a four-year degree, assuming you complete on time.
Consider Ancilla only if you have a specific program interest that aligns with regional job opportunities in northern Indiana and you're confident in your ability to persist through challenges independently. The financial risk is amplified by the retention problems, making this a poor choice for students who might struggle academically or need extensive support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marian University-Ancilla worth the cost?
With a net price of $25,172 and 10-year earnings of $58,759, Marian University-Ancilla offers moderate ROI. The relatively low median debt of $27,000 makes it more affordable than many private colleges, but earnings potential remains limited.
How much debt do Marian University-Ancilla graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level represents about 46% of first-year earnings for graduates.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Marian University-Ancilla?
Graduates earn a median of $58,759 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The 95% acceptance rate suggests less selective admissions, which can correlate with lower post-graduation earnings.
Does Marian University-Ancilla provide good financial aid?
The net price of $25,172 indicates significant financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, this still represents a substantial annual cost that may strain many families' budgets.